Beer is the single most popular alcoholic drink in the world, and after the craft beer revolution it is more interesting and varied than ever.
While it is mostly made from grains (usually barley), hops, yeast and water, there are so many possible extra ingredients and methods that the options are almost endless. Breweries are always using this freedom to innovate amazing, flavourful beers.
Craft brewers experiment with styles and ingredients from around the world. The grains used hold the main key to beer styles – making a Weisse beer by using wheat, or a Stout by adding dark roasted barley. The different hop varieties used and when in the process they are added, all have a strong impact on the bitterness and aroma of a beer. Even the yeast used, whether Belgian, Champagne, wild or standard brewers yeasts, have a hand in the final flavour.
But that’s just the basics. Brewers can add fruit, spices, and herbs to impart wonderful and wacky flavours. They may even age the beers in tanks, casks or bottles. With so many paths a brewer can take, it is no surprise there are so many different beers on the market.
We’ve chosen a range of amazing Scottish and UK beers, to give you a fantastic selection to try out. If you are looking for a bigger selection from the UK and around the world, please visit our sister website – Drinkmonger.