Caledonian Brewery

Caledonian Brewery

The Caledonian Brewery is a historic brewery located in Edinburgh, Scotland. Founded in 1869, it is one of the city's oldest surviving breweries and has played a significant role in Scotland's brewing history. The brewery is renowned for its traditional Scottish ales and has garnered a reputation for producing high-quality beers using time-honored brewing techniques.

History

The Caledonian Brewery was established in 1869 by George Lorimer and Robert Clark in the Slateford area of Edinburgh. The brewery was built on the site of the old Lorimer family distillery, which had been in operation since the early 19th century. From its inception, the Caledonian Brewery specialized in producing ales, particularly those in the Scottish and Burton upon Trent styles, which were highly popular at the time.

Throughout its history, the brewery has undergone several expansions and modernizations to keep up with the growing demand for its beers. Despite these changes, it has retained its traditional brewing methods, including the use of open fermentation vessels and direct-fired coppers, which are rare in the modern brewing industry.

Beers

The Caledonian Brewery is best known for its range of cask and bottled ales. Some of its most popular and award-winning beers include:

• Deuchars IPA: A light, golden India Pale Ale (IPA) that has become one of the brewery's flagship beers. It has won numerous awards, including CAMRA's Champion Beer of Britain.
• 80/- (Eighty Shilling): A classic example of the Scottish 80/- style, this ale is known for its rich, malty flavor and smooth finish.
• Edinburgh Castle: A traditional Scottish amber ale that is brewed exclusively for the historic Edinburgh Castle.

Brewery Tours

The Caledonian Brewery offers guided tours that provide visitors with an insight into the brewery's history, brewing process, and beer portfolio. The tours are popular among both locals and tourists, offering a unique opportunity to experience one of Scotland's brewing heritage sites firsthand.

Legacy

The Caledonian Brewery has played a pivotal role in preserving traditional Scottish brewing methods. Its commitment to quality and craftsmanship has earned it a place among the most respected breweries in the UK. The brewery's beers continue to be celebrated for their authenticity and flavor, embodying the rich brewing tradition of Scotland.

See Also

• Beer in Scotland
• History of beer
• List of breweries in Scotland