Brewing industry gathers in capital for second annual awards bash
BREWERS from across Scotland had reason to celebrate at the recent Scottish Beer Awards in Edinburgh.
The event, attended by over 350 guests from across the brewing industry, saw winners crowned in more than 20 categories, including 11 taste categories – which involved 266 beers being blind tasted by the judging panel.
Ellon-based Brewdog took home the top award of the night, Scottish Brewery of the Year, in acknowledgment of the firm’s impressive year of business, which saw the launch of its US brewery in Ohio.
It was also a successful night for Tempest Brewing Co, following its successes at the 2016 awards, as its team claimed five medals in the taste categories, including three gold medals for best amplified beer, best IPA and best lager.
Innis & Gunn was recognised as Exporter of the Year, for Excellence in Marketing and also in three taste categories.
Dougal Gunn Sharp, founder and master brewer at Innis & Gunn, said: “A passion for great beer and flavour is at the heart of Innis & Gunn, from brewing, to sales to marketing and it’s a terrific honour to win five awards in the beer and business categories.”
Edinburgh-based brewer Stewart Brewing picked up three awards with company co-founder, Steve Stewart, crowned Master Brewer of the Year.
He said: “I started Stewart Brewing with my wife Jo in 2004 with the mission to create craft beers of the highest quality.
“Awards like this prove that we are well on the way to realising that ambition.”
Chair of the award’s judging panel, Hilary Jones, said the event is a chance to showcase the nation’s great brewers and beers to the world.
“Whether breweries are large, small, independently owned or have attracted investment from elsewhere, the Scottish Beer Awards is for everyone brewing in Scotland,” she said.
