Craft Beer & Scottish Golf – 5 Perfect Pairings

Over the last two decades, the craft beer phenomenon has taken the brewing world by storm. These days, after years of meteoric growth in the industry, it seems that one is never very far from a craft brewery. Scotland is no exception. There are now over 100 breweries operating across the country. Some are conveniently located just a stone’s throw from its famous golf courses, to the delight of anyone in search of post-round pints.

Here are five of our favorite craft breweries to visit during golf trips to Scotland.

St. Andrews Brewing Company

A short stroll from the 18th green at The Old Course, the St. Andrews Brewing Company has produced craft beer in The Home of Golf since 2012. The taproom on South Street is one of the best 19th holes in St. Andrews, and serves their range of beers, local whiskies, and great pub grub. But that’s not the only place that you’ll find their array of beers. St. Andrews Brewing Company also produces the Road Hole Lager and the Tom Morris Scotch Ale for the St. Andrews Links, as well as two signature beers for nearby Dumbarnie Links.

Eden Mill

Like most things in St. Andrews, Eden Mill has a long and rich history in The Home of Golf. Over 200 years ago, the first distillery in the area opened on the same ground that Eden Mill sits today. And while the company is best known for its fine gins and other spirits, the craft beer produced by Eden Mill is equally exceptional. The aptly named Nineteenth is a delicious blonde ale and a refreshing way to cap a round of golf on the historic links nearby.

Black Isle Brewing Co.

Although many golfers are drawn to the famous whisky distilleries in The Highlands of Scotland, those in search of craft beer will find it at the Black Isle Brewing Company. Founded in 1998, Black Isle is unique for its use of organic barley and hops. The brewery operates a taproom in the heart of Inverness, where it serves its collection of organic craft beers and wood-fired pizza. After golf at nearby Castle Stuart, you may just find that’s the perfect combination.

BrewDog

If the name BrewDog sounds familiar, that may be because the company has recently opened a handful of pubs in the U.S., but it all started in a small town near Aberdeen. BrewDog has grown to become Scotland’s largest independent brewery, and operates taprooms in numerous cities, including Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Dundee, and St. Andrews. In addition, their Punk IPA is a fixture in pubs all across the U.K., meaning that you’re all but certain to run across BrewDog beer during your Scotland golf trip.

Arran Brewery

If you find yourself on the Isle of Arran during a Scotland golf trip, that means you’ve come to see the enigmatic links at Shiskine. If time permits before hopping the ferry back to the mainland, stop in the Arran Brewery near the Brodick terminal. There you’ll find an array of craft beers with names like Ego, Clyde Puffer, Sleeping Warrior, and Red Squirrel. After playing a golf course with only 12-holes, you’ll certainly have plenty to talk about over your pint of choice.

With over 100 breweries around the country, there's no shortage of places to enjoy craft beer during Scotland golf trips. Choosing a favorite may be easier said than done, but research on the topic is always a great way to invest your time off the course.