The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
More cheer served by Dundee beer makers
City playing its part in beer revolution sweeping country
Dundee’s second new craft brewery is set to begin production later this year.
A 7,200 sq ft warehouse on Bellfield Street is being converted into a 2,400-litre-a-day capacity brewery for 71 Brewing.
Duncan Alexander and Mark Griffiths are carrying out the conversion thanks to funding of £650,000 from bodies including Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Investment Bank.
Duncan, who has spent the last five years running a community microbrewery in Edinburgh and will be head brewer at 71 Brewing, said: “There’s something in the water here that was justification enough for us to establish a brewery in Dundee.
“I’m a very proud Dundonian and wanted the city to contribute to this great new beer revolution that is sweeping the country.”
He added: “Dundee is undergoing a period of significant regeneration and investment. We want to place ourselves firmly in the centre of this and add to the flourishing reputation of Dundee as a fantastic place for the arts and culture, business and innovation.
“We want 71 Brewing to become synonymous with this new and growing confidence and weave ourselves into the fabric of the city.”
Fit-out works are expected to start next month and the brewery is due to be operational in October. Overseeing the installation of the brewery is brewing consultant David Smith.
Originally head brewer at Samuel Smiths of Tadcaster, he has assisted in the set-up of more than 150 breweries throughout the UK and continental Europe.
Hawkhill Brewery is set to start making beer next week.
Business developer Sean McMahon said he is pleased with progress by builders at the premises in Sugar house Wynd.
The brewery will be able to produce 3,200 litres of beer a week.
The craft beer market has doubled in size over the last five years. It is valued at $20 billion (£14.35bn) and is predicted to reach $39bn (£28bn) by 2019.