The Stewart Brewery
Dryden Road, Loanhead
Who are they? The Stewart Brewing company was founded by husband and wife team Steve and Jo Stewart back in 2004, when they opened their brewery on the outskirts of Edinburgh. This had been a long-term dream that first began when Steve studied brewing at Edinburgh’s Heriot Watt University. After plying his trade, he would then spend several years as a master brewer at beer giants Bass. It was, however, a six-month placement at Harpoon Brewery in Boston that truly ignited his desire to open his own operation. Luckily, Jo’s father was a skilled steel fabricator and help them to build the Stewart Brewery while Steve worked on the type of beer he wanted to bring to the market. In 2013, the brewery moved to a bigger site to keep up with demand and at the tail end of 2016 they opened Stewart’s Dockside Tap in Leith, described as a “take-home Craft Beer shop” supplying bottles, growlers and kegs.
Interesting fact: Edinburgh’s brewing history is a vast one, going back to the 12th century when the monks of Holyrood Abbey, who took advantage of the free-flowing spring water for the production of their ale. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the city had at least 35 breweries. The industry also contributed to Edinburgh’s nickname of “Auld Reekie” due to all the smoke produced by coal and furnaces when beer was being brewed.
The brewery: When they moved to the bigger site in 2013 they were determined to make the brewery more accessible to the public and to give visitors a real hands-on experience. Tours take place every Thursday and Friday from 7pm until 9pm and there are “drop-in” tours on Saturdays (you need to book in advance). The £15 tour price includes drinks and snacks. It doesn’t really feel like a tour here, more like a wee night out. If you are looking for something a bit more in-depth and interactive then get yourself booked into their Craft Beer Kitchen. Here you can create your own beer as you are guided through the brewing process from start to finish, from choosing a brew date to bottling and collecting your brand new creation. This is an amazing experience for anyone who is into their beers.
The product: Because of Steve’s background, a great deal of research and attention to detail has gone into creating the drinks. With well over 20 different beers in their range and new products popping up all the time you are certainly spoiled for choice.
My favourite: The range is so varied, it is really hard to choose. If I really had to then I would go for their Holyrood IPA, which has been named World’s Best Beer Gold medalist two years running for the category Best Pale Ale. Some IPAs are overpowering but this one really hits the mark.
Verdict: This place is great, you can really feel that it is an independent family-run business. Everyone you talk to here is hugely passionate about their beer and loves sharing their knowledge and expertise with visitors.
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