The Best Scottish Local Beers To Try in Scotland!

Last Updated on 6th May 2024 by Charlotte Nadeau

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Arriving in Scotland for the first time, your senses may well be hit with the scent of malt and yeast wafting through the air. Brewing beer since the 12th century, at one time Edinburgh city became the brewing capital of the world and was home to over 40 breweries!

The tradition of beer brewing continues and microbreweries are constantly popping up, all with more exciting ideas than the last! Here’s an insider’s guide on the best Scottish local beers you have to try while visiting.

There are over a hundred breweries in Scotland, and as a local who has lived in Edinburgh for the past 8 years this article mainly focuses on Edinburgh based breweries. But, I have tried to include as many of Scotland’s staple breweries as possible, as well as a few smaller and more niche ones which may fall under the radar unless you spot them out!

What is the most popular beer in Scotland?

As with most locations across the globe, you’ll always find that they have a staple lager. Beer after all is the most consumed alcohol in the world. In fact, after tea and water it’s one of the most popular beverages worldwide!

Scotland’s most popular beer is Tenents, or as locals know it by “The Big Juicy”. This firm favourite is found in pretty much every pub across Scotland, and as a result is the best selling beer of the country. Weirdly enough, it also seems to be quite a popular beverage in Italian supermarkets! Particularly their Tennent’s Super beer, which is a special brew and is super strong at 7.5% ABV.

A history of beer in Scotland

Over the centuries Scotland has gained a reputation for brewing delicious beer! The earliest evidence of beer brewing dates as far back as the Neotlithic period, which is suggested to have come from Skara Brae on Orkney (an archipelago off the northeastern coast of Scotland). That means that it’s been over 5,000 years that Scotland has brewed, tasted and perfected their beer.

Traditionally, beers and ales were brewed using barley as a base. Celtic tradition dictated the use of herbs in the beer recipe, giving the drink a distinct flavour.

The use of bittering herbs such as heather and Myrtle to flavour and preserve beer and in the middle ages, and beyond, brewing beer was mainly entrusted to Monasteries throughout Scotland and the tradition of using herbs to flavour the beer was continued.

However, by the end of the 19th century, hops had replaced herbs as a way of flavouring the beer. Today, Edinburgh, and Scotland, in general, are full of ‘free-houses’; pubs that are not necessarily tied to one particular brewery.

As a result, the city is full of places to pick up independent craft beers, each with their unique flavour. For a full wander through Edinburgh, I recommend embarking on this free and self-guided walking tour.

Where is beer brewed in Scotland?

Over the past decade or so, there has been a huge increase in smaller breweries across the entirety of Europe, including in Scotland. Today, it’s estimated that there are over 100 breweries scattered across Scotland, offering a wide variety of beer and ale.

This increase in breweries has meant increased competition, which has led to higher quality ales all around. If you happen to be visiting Edinburgh, then consider booking this Old Town Walking Tour and Beer Tasting to learn more about Scotland’s favourite tipple. Alternatively, for those visiting Glasgow, you can check out this tour.

Best Scottish Local Beers You Should Try

Belhaven Best – 3.2%

One of the nation’s favourite sessions ales has to be that of Belhaven Best. Said to have tasting notes of toffee and caramel, it’s an easy going well balanced pint of beer.

The brewery is located in Dunbar, a small fishing village in East Lothian. With roots dating back to 1719, Belhaven Brewery is the largest and oldest surviving independent brewery in Scotland.

Tennent’s Lager – 4%

Founded by two brothers, Hugh and Robert Tennent, Scotland’s favourite beer has been brewing in the heart of Glasgow since 1885. It’s also one of the country’s oldest and ongoing businesses. The recognisable red T logo has made this lager stand out to anyone stops by a local pub in Scotland.

Known by locals as “The Big Juicy”, this crisp and refreshing lager is a staple of Scottish drinking culture.

Pilot, Peach Melba Sour – 4.3%

Hands down one of my favourite Scottish breweries has to be Pilot. Founded in 2011, this Leith based brewhouse produce a wide variety of beers all unique in flavour. From Pineapply Berliner, Cocoa Morello to lagers and pale ales, Pilot brew beer for everyone.

The brewery are also committed to being as sustainable as possible. Also, all their beers are vegan and lactose free!

A beer spin-off of the classic Peach Melba dessert, the Peach Melba Sour beer is an iconic beer in Edinburgh pubs. Locals and visitors alike enjoy this on draught, and the brewery themselves say it pairs perfectly with a packet of Cheese & Onion McCoys crisps!

Williams Bros, Fraoch, Heather Ale – 5%

Another tale of brewing brothers, this brewery is situated in the central Lowlands of Scotland.

This particular ale is made using a unique 4,000 year old recipe. Since 2000 BC, this ancient recipe has been passed on through the generations and is made using the bittersweet herbs which were so favoured by the Celts.

Dark Island, Orcadian Ale – 4.6%

With hints of dark chocolate, dates, and nuts, together with fruity and roast coffee aromas, this beer is created by The Orkney Brewery and is quite bitter tasting. The Orkney Brewery’s Dark Island Reserve is a 10% beer that has won awards in London.

Fyne Ales, Jarl – 3.8%

Fyne Ales is a family run Scottish brewery based in the Scottish highlands next to Loch Fyne, and has been brewing beer since 2001. Drawing water from the nearby hills, the brewery creates a number of beers in a wide variety of styles.

Breweries and distilleries in Scotland offer a barrel of employment and in turn, boost tourism for the country. This is exactly what Fyne Ales had in mind when establishing themselves in such a remote spot in Scotland.

Jarl is the breweries flagship session blonde ale, it’s crisp light flavour makes for a perfect summer drink!

Crossborders, Pilsner – 4.1%

Brewing beer since 2016, Crossborders is a micro brewery which specialises in modern craft beers. It’s brewed in Dalkeith, just outside of Edinburgh. A personal favourite has to be the pilsner, which is hop-forward in taste and super refreshing!

Tempest, Long White Cloud – 5.4%

A brewery located in the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders, the idea for Tempest brewhouse was actually formed by a pair who met and travelled the world together and began brewing in the garage in New Zealand, only later to relocate and settle in Scotland.

My favourite beer of their range is the Long White Cloud which is an extra pale session ale, aside from it’s delicious taste the name is really cool! The beer pays homage to Kiwi brewing.

Edinburgh Beer Factory, Paolozzi Lager, 5.2% 

Named so after the famous artist Eduardo Paolozzi, this family-run and independently owned brewery have created a delicious Munich helles style lager.

Vault City Brewing, Modern sour beer

For a more unique-tasting beer, be sure to try out one of Vault City Brewing’s creations! This independent craft brewery is the largest producer of sour beer in Scotland, with a focus on creating heavily fruited beers.

They have a huge range of whacky flavours, from Pear Drops, Mango Lassi, Donut Duo and Mango Raspberry Ice Cream Cake with Toasted Marshmallow Swirl…and they’re the tame flavours! The list is endless, so if you want to try more of the unusual ones, be sure to head to the Wee Tap Room or Porty Vault where you can see a full range of their beers.

Moonwake

A brewery that’s fairly new to the Edinburgh brewing scene is Moonwake, only beginning in 2021. Using a modern approach to brewing, Moonwake create an interesting array of beers including flavours and styles such as: hibiscus sour, tropical pale and gose.

Newbarns, Pale Ale – 4.8% 

A fairly new brewery started in 2020 and located just off of Leith Walk in Edinburgh is, Newbarns. Serving a wide range of craft beers, the brewery also have their very own taproom and beer garden which is inside the same building in which their beer is brewed!

Newbarns Pale Ale is one of their core range beers and is brewed with Golden Promise malt and hopped with Citra. If you get a chance to visit, you can enjoy a refreshing pint directly next to its source!

Campervan, Leith Juice – 4.7%

Inspired by a dream for brewing and a 973 VW Campervan named Olive, Campervan Brewery was opened in 2017 in Leith, Edinburgh. This microbrewery quickly became a firm favourite among Scottish locals. One of the best places to sample their delicious beer is in their very own taproom in Edinburgh called, Lost in Leith.

A personal favourite of their beers is Leith Juice, a session IPA that packs an orange zesty kick.

Crabbies Ginger Beer –  4.0%

This delicious alcoholic ginger beer dates back to 1801 in Edinburgh. Situated at the Port of Leith gave founder John Crabbie and easily accessible point from which to leave and find the finest ingredients to brew with. Crabbie’s is served perfectly in a large pint glass filled with ice and a squeeze of lime!

Jump Ship Brewing, Jump Ship Lager 0.5% ABV

This is Scotland’s first completely alcohol-free brewery. And unlike the bigger brands, Jump Ship are dedicated to exploring alcohol-free craft beers and pushing the boundaries of making delicious beverages that you can drink without the fear of a hangover!

Alcohol-free beers have become increasingly popular, in fact a lot of breweries have started to create their very own alcohol-free alternatives.

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