Belhaven Brewery has kicked off 2026 by relaunching its Twisted Thistle IPA with a new look and a refreshed recipe.
The historic brewery said that Twisted Thistle had ‘long been a favourite among drinkers’, and maintained that the new recipe, at 4% ABV, had been crafted to enhance its refreshing flavour while ‘staying true to the bold character’ that previously made the beer a popular part of Belhaven’s portfolio.
The relaunch also introduces a ‘vibrant new visual identity’ for the beer to give it a more modern appeal and fit within the look of Belhaven’s wider portfolio, which has been evolving over the last few years.
This revived Twisted Thistle follows the brewery’s introduction of Belter, a 4% ABV golden lager which landed in pubs across Scotland last September.
Belter is said to have been ‘warmly received by customers and praised for its refreshing, subtly sweet flavour’ and eye-catching design.
Marketing manager for Belhaven Brewery, Suzie Carlaw, said: “We’re excited to bring Twisted Thistle IPA back with a fresh new look and a refreshing taste and as we get into the new year we felt it was right for us to officially launch this well-loved beer at the beginning of 2026 and begin with an exciting portfolio of beers.
“The relaunch is part of our ongoing mission to evolve our range while celebrating all of the great things that Belhaven Brewery is known for. Twisted Thistle has always had a positive reception from drinkers, and now it’s even better.”
Dumfriesshire’s Wanlockhead Inn, the highest pub in Scotland, was one of the first to install Twisted Thistle on the bar.
Its landlord, Dean McKelvey, said: “We were thrilled to be one of the first in the country to get the relaunched Twisted Thistle and it has always been a cracking classic, but the new recipe takes it to a new level.
“It’s already been greatly received by our customers and it’s brilliant to add another Scottish beer in to our range.”
