Aldi Scotland teams up with Cold Town to launch new Oktoberfest inspired beer

Customers can bring a taste of the German festival home with Aldi Scotland’s latest release

Aldi Scotland is bringing the excitement of Oktoberfest to its customers with its latest release of Scottish beers, featuring a Bavarian-inspired brew from Cold Town.

As thousands around the world raise a toast to celebrate the annual German festival, Aldi’s Scottish Beer Festival range promises to put a tartan tint on proceedings and showcase the diversity of the nation’s brewers with an exciting lineup of delicious beers.

Edinburgh brewers Cold Town are leading the party with their new Bavarian Pilsner (£1.89, 440ml, 5.2% ABV), putting their own unique take on the traditional festival tipple with a clean and malty brew. This will be joined by the re-release of their Topic Thunder (£2.15, 440ml, 7.0% ABV), a full-bodied stout packed with caramel, dark chocolate and hazelnut flavours.

Peterhead’s Brew Toon are also on the guestlist with re-releases of their El Juicy (£2.15, 440ml, 7.1% ABV), a double dry hopped New England IPA, and The J’Ale (£1.89, 440ml, 5.5% ABV), a punchy riot red ale bringing an earthy, hoppy character.

Black Isle are also joining the party, making a welcome return to Aldi Scotland after five years with their Red Kite (£1.89, 440ml, 4.2% ABV) organic red ale, bringing a rich but malty character and their flagship Blonde (£1.79, 440ml, 4.5% ABV) organic lager, providing its unique crisp refreshment.

Graham Nicolson, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Putting a uniquely Scottish twist on Oktoberfest gives us a great opportunity to celebrate and shine a light on the brilliant local brewers we have at our doorstep.

“We’re fortunate to have developed strong relationships with some of Scotland’s most innovative suppliers and this gives us a fantastic platform to provide our customers with new and exciting products at affordable prices.”

You can find your nearest Aldi store here.

Five Kingdoms takes glory in bottled beer competition

Five Kingdoms’ Dark Storm Stout (6.9%) has been awarded CAMRA’s prestigious Champion Bottled Beer of Britain award.

The annual competition recognises the best bottle-conditioned beers in the country, and this year the winner was announced at an event at The Bohemia in North Finchley, London. 

Five Kingdoms, a small brewing team based out of the Isle of Whithorn, Scotland, started in 2015 as a hobby and passion project between Alastair Scoular, owner of the local pub and restaurant The Steam Packet Inn, and head chef Brendon Dennett. 

Alastair said: “The brewery team were thrilled to have won this award for the whole of the UK. We are a tiny brewery from a remote corner of Scotland, so to win an award at this level is incredible, great recognition for years of hard work. 

“It is also fantastic publicity for our local CAMRA branch who have been incredibly supportive since we started brewing.”

Champion Bottled Beer of Britain judge Alex Lines said: “Judges commented on the enticing chocolate aroma, the notes of coffee, liquorice and chocolate on the palate and dry finish. The panel was also impressed by its drinkability despite its strength.” 

The well-deserved runners up were Lacons’ Audit, an 8% Barley Wine which scooped the Silver award, and Bronze award winner Milk Stout by Incredible Brewing Co in Bristol. 

CAMRA Awards Director Laura Emson said: “Huge congratulations to this year’s worthy winner of the Champion Bottled Beer of Britain award.

“It’s great to see some of the big names alongside some of the up-and-coming brewers, I hope beer drinkers will go and search out these brews to give them a try for themselves.” 

Full list of Champion Bottled Beer of Britain finalists: 

Gold: Five Kingdoms, Dark Storm Stout

Silver: Lacons, Audit

Bronze: Incredible Brewing Co, Milk Stout

Finalists: 

Lynn Brewery, Lynn Ferry Bitter (4%)

Merlin Brewery, Sir Galahad (4.3%)

Monty’s Brewery, Dark Secret (5.6%) 

The Good Beer Guide 2025 shows the power of protecting pubs

The Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) Good Beer Guide – the UK’s best-selling beer and pub guide – is celebrating its 52nd edition with not one but two covers featuring two of the UK’s favourite locals: Coronation Street’s Rovers Return Inn, and Emmerdale’s Woolpack. 

The Guide, which lists 4,500 of the best pubs across the UK, is the definitive beer drinker’s guide for those seeking the best pints in the nations’ pubs – and is on sale now.  

Despite the tough trading environment facing a lot of licensees, they continue to battle against the odds, and the 2025 Guide boasts over 900 pubs that are new to this edition.

Information in the Guide is collated by thousands of CAMRA volunteers who give up their time every year to select the best of the best across the UK. As well as covering 314 of the very best pubs across Aberdeen & Grampian, Argyll & The Isles, Ayrshire & Arran, Borders, Dumfries & Galloway, Edinburgh & The Lothians, Greater Glasgow & Clyde Valley, Highlands & The Western Isles, Kingdom of Fife, Loch Lomond, Stirling & The Trossachs, Northern Isles and Tayside, it includes 52 new pub entries across the counties.  

The foreword of The Good Beer Guide 2025 has been written by multi award-winning Iain Macleod, ITV’s Executive Producer for Continuing Drama.

In his foreword, Iain MacLeod says: “… the story which threatened one of our pubs the most was also the one which most resonated with our times. In 2023, the Rovers Return closed its doors. A combination of the lingering legacy of the Covid lockdowns and the cost-of-living crisis meant that landlady Jenny Bradley couldn’t afford to keep it open. The characters – and the viewers – lamented the news like the loss of a loved one. If it were needed, it was a timely reminder of the central place the nation’s pubs have in our lives and in our affections.”  

CAMRA Chairman Ash Corbett-Collins said: “The Rovers Return Inn and the Woolpack represent the UK’s love of their local, and to have them featured on the covers for this year’s Guide is very exciting.

“CAMRA’s mission is to ensure support from both the UK and Scottish Governments as well as tangible legislation to protect pubs in this country. By next year’s edition of the Guide, we want to be talking about the beer and pub trade growing with the support of communities and parliaments alike.”   

Coronation Street and Emmerdale are available to watch on ITV and ITVX. This year’s Guide is sponsored by Midland Snacks Traditional Pork Scratchings and endorsed by Cask Marque.

The Good Beer Guide 2025 is set to be published on 26 September 2024, and is available to order now from https://shop1.camra.org.uk/product/the-good-beer-guide-2025/   

Beer and Pubs pour millions into Scotland’s economy but government support urgently needed, says BBPA

  • Scotland’s beer and pub sector contributed more than £2.3 billion in GVA and generated more than £1.4 billion in tax, new British Beer and Pub Association research reveals   
  • Despite huge contribution to country’s finances and communities, taxes and rising business costs mean pubs make just 12p a pint    
  • Industry may have to bear yet more punishing burdens and restrictions  
  • BBPA calls on the Government to be “business friendly” and support Great British beer and pubs to boost economic growth   

Scotland’s beer and pub sector poured more than £2.3 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) into the economy and contributed more than £1.4 billion in tax in just one year, according to new research by the trade body.   

As a whole, Britain’s beer and pub sector poured more than £34.3 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) into the economy and contributed more than £17.4 billion in tax in just one year, according to new research by the trade body.   

Latest figures from 2024 Oxford Economics research show GVA contributions were up from the previous contribution of £1.7 billion. 

 These figures demonstrate the sector’s important economic contribution to both their region and the wider national economy, the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said.    

But despite this, pubs make an average of just 12p on every pint of beer once taxes and costs have been deducted.     

Not only that, but the industry is also facing multiple burdens and restrictions in the form of proposed eyewatering packaging costs and a potential beer garden smoking ban.   

Now the BBPA is calling for a reduction in soaring costs of doing business. It warns the industry needs government support from the Budget to make sure the sector can continue to contribute to the economy and boost the country’s finances.   

The BBPA wants to see a cut in beer duty, business rates reform, and a pledge to keep the 75% business rates relief to ensure that pubs can survive.   

Emma McClarkin, CEO of the BBPA, said: “The Scotland’s sector’s growth will underpin economic growth, which is why if the Government truly is business-friendly, it must recognise that pubs and brewers are shouldering multiple taxes and costs that are squashing growth and could lead to businesses failing.    

“There is no more meat on the bone to cut, which is why it we are calling on the Government reduces the cost of doing business so we can continue to make a massive contribution to the public purse.   

“It is imperative there is a reform in the business rates system which currently penalises bricks and mortar businesses like pubs which pay five times more than their share of turnover.   

“Until then, the vital 75% business rates relief due must be maintained for pubs so that one of the core cost components of doing business can be controlled. In addition, we urgently need to see a cut in beer duty.    

“Our industry is an economic bellwether and when pubs and brewers suffer, the economy suffers. If the Government wants to succeed in its growth mission, it needs to support our beer and pubs which play such a vital role in our communities.”  

The sector is also facing potential eyewatering EPR recycling costs next year – set to be among the highest in Europe – plus increases in energy prices. The trade body has warned that this could lead some brewers to make heartbreaking decisions about whether they can keep making their beer.       

Not only that, but a proposed smoking ban in beer gardens would have a devastating impact on many pubs and affect their viability as businesses. The BBPA is urging Government to reconsider this misguided restriction.  

The industry is one for the most heavily taxed business sectors per pound of turnover in the UK with tax making up 40% of UK brewing turnover and £1 in every £3 spent in pubs.   

Gilded Balloon announce foodie pop-ups at brand new bar

PLUS LOCAL BREWERY NEWBARNS LAUNCH GILDED BALLOON’S VERY OWN PINKTASTIC PINTS

A brand new bar is set to open in the heart of Edinburgh Festival Fringe this August, as some of the city’s best food vendors pop up for daytime dining at Gilded Balloon’s brand-new bar Lucky Penny including Alby’s, Spitaki, Wing Theory and more.

The hidden gem will serve up everything from frozen cocktails, Kegronis and Gilded Balloon’s very own beer. 

Located at 19-20 Teviot Place, in the former Saboteur venue, Lucky Penny will welcome Fringe fans, acts and industry to the bar, which will be run in partnership with local brewery Newbarns, serving up fresh pints and cocktails as well as the very best Edinburgh food and drink pop-ups.

Gilded Balloon is a family run business, operated by mother-daughter duo Katy and Karen Koren, with Lucky Penny named after the newest member of the family, Katy’s daughter Penny. 

Lucky Penny opens from 12pm on 31st July until 26th August meaning foodie fans have almost four weeks to pop in and try some of the incredible Edinburgh vendors taking over the bespoke bar from 1-6pm for daytime dining like no other.

Locals and tourists alike can take a break from Fringe fun to feast on the capital’s very best food offerings in Lucky Penny before heading off to experience over 3000 shows on offer at the Festival. 

Plus, renowned Leith brewers Newbarns have introduced a special Gilded Balloon themed IPA ‘Hiya Pals’ with pinktastic pints set to be poured in the Leith Newbarns taproom, at Lucky Penny and across all Gilded Balloon venue bars at Patter House and the National Museum of Scotland.

Gilded Balloon work with Scottish brands Tennent’s Lager, Newbarns and Leith Spirits to provide spirits, beer,cider and more across all of their Fringe bars. 

Open 7 days a week from 12pm – late, Lucky Penny will welcome a relishing roster of seven different foodie pop-ups throughout the month of August including: 

Alby’s take on a classic hot dog with Big Hot Bangers, deep fried specialists Big Dip, authentic Greek food from Spitaki, fried chicken connoisseurs Wing Theory, Lebanese street food from Lazeez, Vietnamese cuisine from Banh Mi Brothers, as well as frozen cocktails and mimosas from Pulp Friction. Plus, award winning pies from Jarvis Pickle will be available all day and night throughout the Festival for tasty bites in between shows! See below for full line-up and dates. 

As one of the Fringe’s original, and pinkest, venues, Gilded Balloon’s brand new Lucky Penny is in addition to bars at two venues Patter House and the National Museum of Scotland. The pop up bar will be operated in partnership with Edinburgh’s Newbarns Brewery, pouring their own easy-drinking pale ales and lagers, Aperol Spritzes and Gin Fizzes, as well as Kegronis from other local favourite Electric Spirit, meaning Negronis on tap all summer long! 

Katy and Karen Koren, Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon said: “It’s so exciting to reveal our incredible line-up of vendors who will be popping up at Lucky Penny and bringing some of Edinburgh’s very best food to Fringe.

“From fresh hot sandwiches from Alby’s to authentic Greek food from Spitaki, Pulp Friction’s frozen cocktails and even Negronis on tap, Lucky Penny will be the spot to chill out and grab a bite of some of the city’s most delicious food before taking in lots of Fringe shows!

“We’re looking forward to throwing open the doors to Lucky Penny and welcoming Fringe fans, performers and the Fringe community and industry to the brand new space for some ‘Hiya Pals’ pints in the sun, fresh out of the tap from our pals at Newbarns.”

Emma McIntosh, Director of Newbarns Brewery said“As a local Leith brewery, working with a renowned local Edinburgh Fringe venue such as Gilded Balloon made perfect sense.

“We’ve created our bespoke ‘Hiya Pals’ IPA in collaboration with Gilded Balloon, available exclusively throughout the Festival in our brand new perfectly pink cans. We hope Newbarns fans will pop along to the Lucky Penny to sip on some freshly brewed pints this August!” 

LUCKY PENNY – AUGUST TAKEOVERS

Spitaki, 1-6pm 

Thursday 1st

Sunday 4th

Thursday 15th

Lazeez, 1-6pm

Friday 2nd – Saturday 3rd 

Pulp Friction, 7-10pm

Saturday 3rd 

Wednesday 14th

Thursday 22nd

Saturday 24th 

Wing Theory, 1-6pm

Thursday 8th – Sunday 11th August

Big Dip, 1-6pm

Saturday 17th August – Sunday 18th August

Banh Mi Brothers, 1-6pm 

Thursday 22nd – Saturday 24th August 

Alby’s, 1-6pm

Sunday 25th August

Jarvis Pickle Pies

Daily 

Walk-ins only, no bookings. Open to the general public from 12pm – 6pm,  artist and VIP bar only from 7pm. 

Gilded Balloon’s ‘Pals in Pink’ will welcome audiences from around the world as staff transform Patter House and the National Museum of Scotland into fabulously pink hubs of creativity with acts from every genre descending during the month of August.

Big name stars from Michelle Brasier and Jack Docherty will take to the stage alongside comedy’s very best newcomers from Joshua Bethania to Kathleen Hughes, as well as an expertly-curated programme of theatre such as Chemo Savvy, a tribute to the late Andy Gray, The Steamie, Pop Off, Michelangelo and much more. 

CAMRA: Pints of View Summer issue

The latest issue of our CAMRA branch magazine Pints of View (number 82, summer 2024) is now being distributed around pubs in South East Scotland.

It contains news of pubs and breweries in SE Scotland along with general articles that may be of interest 

The magazine is available on line via the Issue reader.

OR

Can be downloaded NOW as a PDF (10MB) from https://edinburgh.camra.org.uk/dl.php?id=222840

CAMRA Guide highlights pubs and brewery numbers across Scotland

The Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) Good Beer Guide – the UK’s best-selling beer and pub guide – is celebrating its 51st edition with a striking cover and a foreword supplied by Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson.

The Guide, which surveys 4,500 of the best pubs across the UK, is the definitive beer drinker’s guide for those seeking the best pints in the nation’s pubs.

Dickinson’s foreword shines a spotlight on the cultural tradition of pubs within the United Kingdom, the importance of protecting the heritage, charm and welcoming nature of pubs and clubs, and not taking them for granted.

The Good Beer Guide, which is published annually by CAMRA, helps beer lovers take a barometer of the local beer scene.

As well as covering 306 of the very best pubs across Aberdeen and Grampian, Argyll and the Isles, Ayrshire and Arran, Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, Edinburgh and the Lothians, Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley, Highlands and the Western Isles, Kingdom of Fife, Loch Lomond, Stirling, the Trossachs, the Northern Isles and Tayside, it keeps track of brewery numbers, and notes a net loss of four breweries across the counties.

The story is the same across the UK, as although the Guide records 82 new breweries, 142 have closed. This net loss of 60 breweries is a worrying reminder that a lack of support from the Government means dire consequences for local businesses, in the wake of a cost-of-business crisis and the constant pressure of fuel bills.

This year’s Guide contains 910 newly featured pubs, which is a fantastic prospect for the pub trade which has been struggling to stay afloat in recent years following the pandemic and rising fuel costs.

The trade also faces an impending threat from unlawful demolitions, which CAMRA has declared a ‘national scandal’ in the wake of the demolition of the Crooked House in Himley.

CAMRA Chairman Nik Antona said: “The last few years have been an incredibly difficult time for the industry, and we need more support than ever before to keep our nation’s pubs and breweries open and thriving.

“I’d encourage everyone to use this year’s Guide to visit the very best pubs and breweries across the UK and support them for generations to come.”

The Good Beer Guide, which reviews over 4,500 pubs across the UK, is the definitive beer drinkers’ guide to the very best pints in a variety of styles of pubs to suit individual tastes. Compiled by thousands of independent volunteers, it helps identify significant trends and themes locally and nationally.

To order The Good Beer Guide 2024, visit https://shop1.camra.org.uk/product/the-good-beer-guide-2024/

CHEERS! Tax cut for 38,000 British pubs

  • Tax paid on pints and other drinks on tap in over 38,000 UK pubs is now up to 11p cheaper than their supermarket equivalents
  • The new Brexit Pubs Guarantee will keep it this way for good
  • Alcohol duty now simplified so drinks are taxed by strength, lowering duty on supermarket shelves for many UK favourites including bottles of pale ale, pre-mixed gin and tonic, and prosecco

Over 38,000 UK pubs and bars have seen a tax cut on the pints they pull from today as the government’s alcohol duty changes take effect.

The duty paid on drinks on tap in pubs will be up to 11p lower than at the supermarket. The changes are designed to help pubs compete on a level playing field with supermarkets, so they can continue to thrive at the heart of communities across the UK. The Brexit Pubs Guarantee announced in the Chancellor’s Spring Budget secures the pledge that pubs will always pay less alcohol duty than supermarkets going forwards.

It comes as other landmark changes to the alcohol duty system also come into effect today, which see drinks taxed by strength for the first time and a new relief – named Small Producer Relief – to help small businesses and start-ups create new drinks, innovate and grow.

Today’s changes have automatically lowered the duty in shops and supermarkets on many of the UK’s favourites including certain bottles of pale ale, pre-mixed gin and tonic, hard seltzer, Irish cream, coffee liquor and English sparkling wine, amongst others.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “I want to support the drinks and hospitality industries that are helping to grow the economy, and the consumers who enjoy the end result.

“Not only will today’s changes mean that that the price of your pint in the pub is protected, but it will also benefit thousands of businesses across the country.

“We have taken advantage of Brexit to simplify the duty system, to reduce the price of a pint, and to back British pubs.”

Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: “British pubs are the beating heart of our communities and as they face rising costs, we’re doing all we can to help them out. Through our Brexit Pubs Guarantee, we’re protecting the price of a pint.

“The changes we’re making to the way we tax alcohol catapults us into the 21st century, reflecting the popularity of low alcohol drinks and boosting growth in the sector by supporting small producers financially.”

The three alcohol duty changes that have taken effect today are only possible thanks to the UK’s departure from the EU and the guarantees set out in the Windsor Framework.

The previous duty system was complex and unfair but now that the UK is free to set excise policy to suit its needs, the government has brought about common-sense reforms in order to support wider UK tax and public health objectives.

Brexit Pubs Guarantee

Over 38,000 UK pubs will benefit from lower alcohol tax on the drinks they pour from tap from today. This is because the government has expanded Draught Relief, which effectively freezes or cuts the alcohol duty on the vast majority of these drinks. This is to protect pubs, who are often undercut by supermarket competitors.

It means that the duty they pay on each drink poured from draught, such as pints of beer and cider, will be up to 11p cheaper than in supermarkets. The government has pledged that the duty pubs and bars pay on these drinks will always be less than retailers, known as the Brexit Pubs Guarantee.

This tax reduction is part of a wider shake up of the alcohol duty system which also comes into effect from today – the biggest in 140 years.

A simpler, more modern alcohol duty system

The alcohol duty reforms were announced at the Autumn Budget in 2021. The reforms pledged to modernise and simplify a duty system that had not been changed in 140 years, only possible as the UK has left the EU.

The key changes are:

  • All products taxed in line with alcohol by volume (ABV) strength, rather than different duty structures for different drinks
  • Fewer main duty rates, from 15 to 6, to make it easier for businesses to grow and operate
  • There will be lower taxes on lower alcohol products – those below 3.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) in strength – a huge growth area in the drinks industry
  • All drinks above 8.5% ABV will pay the same rate regardless of product type
    This will mean that many UK favourites will see duty reductions. Irish cream will drop by 3p, cans of 5% ABV ready-to-drink spirit mixers by 6p, Prosecco by 61p and 500ml 3.4% pale ale by 20p a bottle.

New tax relief to encourage small producers to make new drinks

The UK alcoholic drinks market reached just under £50 billion in 2022, up 6% year on year and is expected to continue to grow – sales are forecast to reach £60.9 billion in 2026. The UK government is laser-focused on continuing this burgeoning success.

The government is introducing Small Producer Relief effective from today, which replaces and extends the previous Small Brewers Relief scheme.

This allows small businesses who produce alcoholic products with an ABV of less than 8.5% to be eligible for reduced rates of alcohol duty on qualifying products.

The new tax relief scheme promotes innovation in the drinks sector, giving small producers the financial freedom to experiment with new types of drink and grow their business. It also supports the modern drinking trend of lower alcohol beverages.

Edinburgh brewery on track for £5m global turnover following support from Business Gateway

An Edinburgh-based independent craft brewery, which began as a home-brewing project in its co-founder’s spare bedroom, is now shipping internationally after receiving support and signposting to funding from Business Gateway.  

Vault City was launched to modernise traditional brewing styles with its own take on fruited sours beers. 

The beers, which are more aligned to cocktails and fruit ciders than IPAs or pale ales, are loaded with real fruit ingredients to develop flavours ranging from Raspberry Rocky Road and Strawberry Sundae to Cloudy Lemonade and Blackcurrant Choc Chip Waffle. 

On a mission to convert non-beer and traditional beer drinkers, the brewery introduces new flavours every two weeks.  

Co-founder Steven Smith-Hay, who describes himself as an “obsessed homebrewer”, had experimented with different sour and fruit beers while working in IT, and, with encouragement from his friends and family, took the plunge to set up Vault City in 2018.  

Having never run a business before, he approached Business Gateway in search of expert guidance to develop the skills necessary for turning his vision for modern craft beer into a reality.  

Steven’s local business adviser helped him to establish a business plan and identify routes for growth, as well as providing practical advice on how to manage cashflow.  

Through Business Gateway, Steven learned about the requirements needed to set up an alcohol business online and received specialist support to develop a website, which established Vault City’s digital presence, increasing brand awareness and generating sales as a result.  

Business Gateway was also instrumental in signposting Vault City to £100,000 of grant funding from Scottish Enterprise, which went towards the purchase of a decanter centrifuge.

This new piece of equipment helped the business increase its yield and decrease its waste by 30%, in turn reducing its environmental impact. Within five years of launching, Vault City has landed deals with the country’s biggest retailers, including Tesco, Morrison’s, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose.  

More recently, following advice from Business Gateway the business, which has grown to a team of almost 30, now exports to over 20 countries globally, including Singapore, Sweden and Thailand. Vault City is continuing to focus on exporting in 2023, with plans to break into the Chinese market.  

Steven Smith-Hay, Co-founder, Vault City Brewing, said: “I spotted an opportunity to carve a niche in the craft beer industry, but I needed guidance to make it happen.

“Having one-to-one support from Business Gateway has been excellent. My adviser was a safe pair of hands throughout the process and really helped me to unpack all the obstacles that come with starting your own business. 

“I’m really proud to say that four in every five sour beers sold in the UK comes from Vault City and can’t speak highly enough about the ongoing support I’ve received from Business Gateway since launching.” 

Lindsey Sibbald, Business Gateway adviser, said: “Over the years, we have been able to support Vault City with a range of Business Gateway’s services.

“It has been fantastic to watch the business’ stratospheric growth since launching, which is testament to Steven and the team’s dedication. I look forward to watching them continue to grow and to find out what flavour is next on the cards.” 

To find out how Business Gateway can help your business, visit:

 https://bgateway.com

Innis & Gunn takes home Gold at European Sponsorship Awards

Scottish Brewer awarded the top prize in the arts & culture category for partnership with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn was awarded one of the top prizes at the prestigious European Sponsorship Awards held last night (9 March) at the Brewery in London, for its iconic sponsorship work with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. 

Innis & Gunn was awarded first place within the Arts & Culture sponsorship category in recognition of two iconic brands coming together in a first-class sponsorship of an internationally renowned spectacle rooted in Scottish tradition. This award win is the latest accolade in a string of coveted awards for the brand. 

Hundreds of sponsorship industry professionals from dozens of countries joined the ESA Awards last night (9 March) to see winners awarded across 25 categories. With sponsorships from nine different countries, as well as a range of multinational campaigns.

The objective of Innis & Gunn’s sponsorship of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 2022 was to bring together two brands which at their heart are all about originality and creativity and to create a phenomenal customer experience.

The opportunity enabled Innis & Gunn to take its flagship beer, The Original, and award-winning Lager to a quarter of a million ticket holders over the month of August. The partnership even made history as this was the first time The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo had been licensed in its 72 years of running. 

The results of the sponsorship speak for themselves. In the first year of the partnership, Innis & Gunn created an exceptional bar experience in a historic location – combined with outstanding customer service achieved industry-beating satisfaction scores from guests. 

Commenting on the win, Innis & Gunn’s founder, Dougal Gunn Sharp, said: “The huge success of this inaugural year of our partnership is a testament to the shared vision and incredible talent both at Innis & Gunn and The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. 

Our beers are known across the world for their originality and creativity. Working with the Tattoo has enabled us to bring our creative vision and award-winning beers to new drinkers who, for the first time, are able to enjoy Scotland’s most iconic beer, at Scotland’s most iconic event, in Scotland’s most iconic location.

“We are passionate about our commitment to our local community and are already planning how we can elevate the experience even further at this year’s show.”

For more information, visit https://www.innisandgunn.com