IS BEER YOUR CUP OF TEA?

WITH an average of three new breweries popping up every week, the UK’s craft beer revolution shows no signs of slowing down.

Scotland alone is home to 80 breweries, many of them creating world-class and award-winning beers.

Look out for some of our favourites next time you’re at the pub.

Slàinte mhath!

WILLIAMS BROS BREWING CO, ALLOA

BROTHERS Bruce and Scott Williams create historic ales using natural Scottish produce such as elderberries, Scots pine shoots and seaweed, as well as modern tipples with names such as March of the Penguins or 7 Giraffes.

Try their signature beer, Fraoch, a distinctive heather ale said to be based on a 4,000-year-old recipe – drink it with braised Scotch beef or a spicy curry.

BARNEY’S BEER, EDINBURGH

BARNEY’S BEER is made in Summerhall, a former veterinary school turned creative arts hub, microbrewery and distillery. Barney (Andrew Barnett) makes his beers using traditional techniques.

Try Beet Red Beer, a bottle-only beer made with beetroot for a sweet, earthy flavour – drink it with white chocolate made by local gourmets Coco Chocolate or The Chocolate Tree.

INVERALMOND BREWERY, PERTH

PERTHSHIRE is famed for its pure spring waters, which have been a vital ingredient of Inveralmond Brewery’s beers since 1997. Inspired by Gaelic and Scots words and folklore, its award-winning beers include Ossian, a golden ale, and Pundie, a strong brown ale.

Try Lia Fail, a multi award-winning dark beer with a deep malty taste and a smooth texture. Drink it with meat or game, such as venison from Seriously Good Venison in Perthshire.

HARVIESTOUN BREWERY, CLACKMANNANSHIRE

FOR seven years Harviestoun has worked with Orkney distiller Highland Park to create dark, barrel-aged beers in casks that once held its award-winning whiskies. Its Bitter & Twisted beer was even named Supreme Champion Beer of Britain!

Try Ola Dubh 12, 16 or 18, stored in oak casks once used to mature Highland Park Single Malt Whisky – drink it with Scottish mackerel on toast, or oatcakes and Anster cheese from Anstruther.