Belhaven Brewery

Scotland

Belhaven is the oldest operating brewery in Scotland as well as that of Britain as a whole. Brewing has taken place here in the coastal town of Dunbar, about 30 miles southeast of Edinburgh, since the time of Benedictine Monks as far back as 800 years ago. The brewhouse's lintel is engraved with the date 1719, recognized as the founding of the present brewery when it was taken over by John Johnstone. The brewery still maintains a staunch dedication to historical Scottish style brewing. At one time, like many of Scotland's long gone breweries, Belhaven had its own maltings that supplied not only the brewery but nearby distilleries. Before being sold to a hotel group in 1972, ownership was maintained by the same family for 250 years trading as Dudgeon & Company. Sandy Hunter acted as the final family chairman and head brewer until his retirement. Sadly, Sandy passed away in the late summer of 2007. Tumultuous times hit the brewery in the years after leaving family hands but management bought the company outright in 1993 and it remained one of the few independent breweries to have survived in Britain. Under the guidance of boss Stuart Ross Belhaven achieved significant financial success year after year. The brewery was purchased by Greene King of Suffolk in 2005 and Stuart retired from Belhaven in 2008.

Black

4.2%  Stout

Belhaven Black Scottish Stout really is something completely different. Bursting with roast coffee and chocolate flavours, this is a truly genuine and premium pint. Brewed using pure Scottish water and a unique blend of Scottish triple malts sourced from the finest locally grown barley.

Scottish Ale

5.2% Scottish Ale

Malty and hoppy, this is a classic Scottish Ale and Belhaven has been brewing it longer than any of its other beers. Delivering a sweet, smooth and creamy finish, Scottish Ale has a stunning ruby colour in the glass. Magic.

Scottish Lager

4.1%  Euro Pale Lager

Crystal clear straw yellow in color and bright white head. Light to moderate aromas of bready malts are present in the nose. Balanced flavor with hints of bready malts. Medium-bodied and clean on the palate with a moderate amount of carbonation. This beer is very easy to drink and has a nice and clean mouthfeel, a great Scottish session lager.

Scottish Stout

7%  Stout

We reckon this is the porter equivalent of the tall dark handsome stranger, but with its blend of triple malts, roasted chocolate flavour and hop character, once you’ve tried this deluxe stout you’ll want to get reacquainted.

Twisted Thistle

4.6%  India Pale Ale

The Bayreuther Zwick’l is a classic example of a Bavarian Kellerbier. Unfiltered and lagered longer than a typical helles lager. Copper in color, the beer pours with a creamy white head. The Zwick’l showcases a sweet caramel malt body that gives way to a clean finish with a slight bite. Available for the first time ever in the United States. Un-pasteurized and fresh. The Zwick’l is one of the only beers of its kind being imported.

Wee Heavy

6.5%  Scotch Ale

It may have come from a right old recipe but Wee Heavy fits the bill today as much as it ever has. It is a classic Scottish heavy but has a lightness of flavour and a great reddish colour in the glass. Cracking stuff if we do say so ourselves.