Since the major boom of the craft beer industry over the last several years, homebrewing has seen its own mini-revolution, with many beer enthusiasts taking to their kitchens to experiment with all things hops and grain.
However, for those of us who love a tasty brew, but either don’t have the space in our homes or don’t have the faintest idea where to begin with brewing beer, there are a few options.
Luckily, Scotland is home to three fantastic breweries that welcome novices and are happy to show us the ropes and then allow us to take our creations home.
Picture: Stewart Brewing
Edinburgh-based Stewart Brewing’s Craft Beer Kitchen is Scotland’s first ‘brew-it-yourself’ facility, with dedicated resources for helping fledgling brewers or those who want to learn a bit more about brewing techniques.
They have experts on hand to talk you through the whole process, and help
you to create your own bespoke beer from scratch (whether you’ve come prepared with your own recipe or have no idea what to brew).
Just choose a day to come and make your beer with up to three friends, then come back in a few weeks to bottle it - you can even design your own label if
you’d like.
Based at the only microbrewery to be operating in the heart of Glasgow, Drygate offers two different Brew Your Own packages, for up to three or six people, on Wednesdays and Sundays.
You can choose from 16 different types of beer, and will get a tutored brew day shadowing the expert brewers, plus you and your pals can design your own label for when the beers get bottled.
You also get a discounted lunch at the Drygate Brewhouse Kitchen, which in itself is an awesome place to spend the day.
Picture: TripAdvisor
All three Innis & Gunn Beer Kitchen locations (Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee) have Brew Schools , where you and at least one other person can brew a beer from a choice of four styles.
The day includes actual brewing alongside your host, whilst learning all about Innis & Gunn’s core range of beers, and you’ll get to sample some beers throughout the process.
You’ll also be treated to a yummy lunch from their food menu plus a schooner to round off the day.
Brew-your-own experiences are a great option for a fun day out with friends, an unconventional gift, or a unique wedding favour for those seeking alternative ideas for their nuptial celebrations.
Plus, it technically counts as learning, so you can justify all the day-drinking, right?
