Taking a ‘confident step forward’ during challenging times for the Scottish beer market, Williams Bros Brewing has announced the launch of Ceilidh, a ‘premium Scottish lager for a new generation of drinkers’.
“Bringing rhythm heart and Scottish soul, and rooted in local ingredients and the country’s spirit of celebration, Ceilidh combines flavour, heritage and modern style in one striking new release,” declared the independently-owned Williams Bros.
Based in Alloa — the historic brewing capital of Scotland — Williams Bros has been brewing for over 30 years, most recently increasing its market share in Scottish Craft Beer from 10.5% to 12.1%, delivering sales growth in a declining market.
The brewery’s award-winning beers include Joker IPA – the country’s number-two selling IPA – as well as Joker AF, Double Joker, Caesar Augustus, Birds & Bees, and some cracking stouts and porters, all of which are widely available across the on-trade and retailers throughout Scotland.
Now, against a backdrop of financial misfortune laying low larger independent brewers such as BrewDog and Innis & Gunn, Williams Bros is making it clear that it is planning for continued growth and investment in new products, sticking to its principles of ‘quality, independence and innovation’.
Ceilidh is described as the latest expression of that philosophy. A premium Helles style lager offering provenance, flavour and style, and named after Scotland’s iconic social dance, evoking the spirit of connection and celebration.
Made using locally grown Scottish extra pale malt — sourced a stone’s throw from the brewery — and Scotland’s naturally soft brewing water, Ceilidh is said to be built on ‘exceptional raw materials’.
Traditional Hallertau hops are paired with a light touch of modern Tango hops, delivering subtle floral notes and a fresh, lifted finish.
The beer is slow-fermented with Swiss lager yeast, then cold-conditioned for six weeks — an ‘honest tribute to classic, naturally aged European lagers, interpreted through a Scottish lens’.
The result is a crisp, clean lager with doughy malt character; and a dry, refreshing finish.
Scott Williams said: “Ceilidh reflects how we brew today — thoughtfully, patiently, and without shortcuts. We’ve focused on a cold-conditioned lager that respects classic traditions while celebrating what Scotland does best: great ingredients, great water, and independent brewing done properly.”
Ceilidh is gluten free, vegan friendly, and already available in popular city bars including The Caves and Teuchters in Edinburgh and The 78 and Inn Deep in Glasgow, with more listings to follow in the coming months.
It is also available in 4 × 440ml cans in selected Asda and Spar stores in Scotland and will launch in selected Scottish Tesco stores this week.
