The craft beer revolution is still in full flow, with Scotland’s talented brewers continuing to win over thousands of beer fans, both in the UK and abroad.

As demand drives sales, these breweries are upping their game: expanding, exporting, employing, and experimenting.

So, here, with the help of Derek Hoy of Glasgow’s specialist shop Hippo Beers, we pick out six must-try craft breweries that are hoping 2016 will be their biggest year yet.

Fallen Brewery, Kippen:

Fallen have been around for a few years now but it was only in 2014 that the brewery got its own site (Kippen’s former rail station) and brewer Paul Fallen was able to unleash a series of bold and brilliant beers.

Derek says: “With the massive success of beers such as Chew Chew, their salted caramel milk stout, Fallen have cemented their reputation as one of Scotland’s most sought-after craft breweries.

“Expansion is on the cards now, with a new building and new tanks meaning Fallen can double their output, which should see their beer more widely available, as well as some new brews as well.”

Alechemy, Livingston:

Alechemy’s head brewer James Davies has been consistently bringing out some adventurous brews over the past year to sit aside a popular core range. With more beer tanks on the way, Alechemy will be increasing their capacity and releasing yet more innovative beers … and in even greater volume.

Derek says: “Alechemy’s Imperial stout Bring out the Imp and their double IPA Budgie Smuggler were two stand-out beers last year, having debuted at the Great Scottish Beer Celebration in March.

“We’re expecting something pretty magical from James in the year ahead.”

Dead End Brew Machine, Glasgow:

Back in 2012, Chris Lewis and Jake Griffin smashed a homebrewing contest run by Fyne Ales with the now legendary Zombier, a belter of a porter. So it’s a delight to find out Chris is pressing ahead with his own venture, Dead End Brew Machine.

Derek says: “Chris Lewis’s Dead End Brew Machine project promises much based on his reputation as one of Glasgow’s finest homebrewers, and I hear the undead theme will continue through his new venture.

“It’s very early days for them, but if they can get some beers to the market in 2016 they will be well worth seeking out.”

Boundary Brewing, Belfast:

Boundary Brewing only started brewing early last year, but have already made waves here and in their home town of Belfast. An innovative funding scheme gave hundreds of investors ownership of the co-operative brewery – no bad thing as their beers are brilliant.

Derek says: “With a firmly established following in their native Northern Ireland, Boundary will be pushing hard to crack the Scottish market in 2016. On top of their excellent core range of IPA, Export Stout and APA we’re expecting to see a succession of specials brewed to keep the range fresh and exciting.”

Alphabet Brewing, Manchester:

Alphabet Brewing Company was founded in 2014 and can be found in Manchester’s red light district. Their emphasis is on making beers that appeal to a broad range of drinkers, with a solid but varied core range complemented by regular one-off brews and specials.

Derek Says: “Alphabet’s Hoi Polloi pilsner would please any discerning lager drinker, while the A to the K (oatmeal pale ale)and Flat White (white breakfast stout) will appeal to the more hardened beer geek.

“Keep an eye out for them appearing in Scotland soon – you won’t miss their eye-catching branding!”

Howling Hops, London:

Howling Hops, from London’s Hackney Wick, can lay claim to having the UK’s first dedicated tank bar in their brewery tap room – it means they can serve the beer as fresh at it can be; important for a brewer that uses hops in such abundance.

Derek says: “For those who can’t make it to their tap room in London’s east end, Howling Hops’s beers are becoming increasingly available north of the Border. Watch out for their Pale XX – an extra hoppy American pale ale.”