If you are a beer enthusiast and you just happen to be based in Glasgow, then it can be exciting times at the minute with the sheer wealth of pubs and bars that now cater for your needs.
From real ale pubs like the Bon Accord, the Potstill and The State Bar; and craft beer bars like Brewdog, Inn Deep, Munro's and Blackfriars; through to breweries like Drygate and West; there really is no shortage of places to go.
Sometimes though, you just want to take the experience home with you and that's where Glasgow really shines. So, should you want to tap into the experience of some industry vets, have a choice of beers that will make your eyes weep or just simply find somewhere convenient to pick up a quick bottle of great beer and that's where Glasgow really comes into its own.
Jehad Hatu of the Grunting Growler explains why he thinks Glasgow's craft beer shops are so popular: "Great tasting (craft) beers had become lost over time - some what of an Atlantis so to speak. But now breweries have gone back to creating sophisticated recipes that are made with with high quality ingredients, and suddenly, out of nowhere, there has been an entire new world that has been opened up to beer drinkers.
"And that's where craft beer shops come into play. We're almost like tour guides taking them on an awesome journey through the new world of beers."
(85 Drygate, Glasgow | 0141 212 8815 | @Drygate)
Picture: Yelp
So it's obvious that the best place to buy beer is straight from the source and in Glasgow that means going to the brewery, and no we aren't talking about Tennent's.
In fact, we are referring to their hipper, cooler next door neighbour: Drygate.
Sample the wares in the brewery bar - or in the beer garden if the weather is nice - before checking out their beer library and deciding what to buy.
Stocking their own excellent selection of Glasgow brewed beers, guest beers from the rest of the UK and excellent brands from America and beyond, you'll be spoiled for choice. And if the choice is a little overwhelming you can always head back to the bar for another beer before deciding.
Good Spirits Co. Beer and wine shop
(105 West Nile Street, Glasgow | 0141 332 4481 | @GoodSpiritsCo)
Already making huge waves in the world of whisky and spirits, it came as no surprise when the Good Spirit boys announced they would be expanding. What did come as a surprise though, was their opening of a beer and wine shop close to their original premises on Bath St.
The great thing is, having both shops allowed them to focus on both spirits and beer and wine. The new shop on West Nile Street is filled with some amazing beer, from Scotland, the UK and abroad, and coupled with the ridiculous knowledge of the various staff that are always on hand to help, means you never go home with a bad beer.
Plus they always stock Brouwerij de Molen, and at great prices, so you know, we're happy.
(21 Clarence Drive Glasgow | @GruntingGrowler)
With a motto we can definitely get behind - "life is just too short for crappy beer" - and boy do these guys know how to avoid (excuse the pun) duff beer.
They also happen to offer one of the most unique concepts on this list, the eponymous Growler. Hugely popular in the beer scene in the States, the growler is a reusable jug that the staff fill for you straight from their draught taps. Simply drink and repeat. Simples.
Heading into the shop, you'll be greeted by a dazzling array of the beer, but don't worry the knowledgeable staff will be on hand to offer advice, tasters and to fill your growler from the stars of the show - those beers on tap.
(449 Great Western Rd, Glasgow | 0141 337 3441 | @Valhalla'sGoat)
Another reason that those not living in the West End get to be envious of the area is the amount of great bars and shops on offer.
And Valhalla's Goat - which sounds like your new favourite metal band - fit happily into that slot. With one of the biggest ranges we've seen (seriously the amount of bottles inside this wee shop is astounding) and situated above the awesome Inn Deep - both are owned by brothers Scott and Bruce Williams, who are pretty much Scottish beer royalty - this place is a beer lover's mecca.
(128 Queen Margaret Drive | 0141 946 3020 | @HippoBeers)
Sporting a stunning selection of UK, US and Continental beers, the Hippo Beers boys might be the most passionate about selling beer on this list, seriously, the things they know, and they are always sure to be there, ready to impart their knowledge and their infectious passion for great beer.
We love the German and Belgium beer offering the most as we simply cannot get enough of the stuff.
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