The Most Popular Beer in Scotland, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the beer you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 2, 2024 06:30
In the heart of Scotland, amidst rolling hills and historic landscapes, the culture of beer brewing thrives. Each brewery has its own unique blend of tradition and taste, leading to a plethora of choices for both locals and tourists alike. With so many options, finding the top beer can be a daunting challenge for any enthusiast wanting to savor the best of Scottish brews.
That's where our live ranking comes into play. By allowing beer lovers to cast their votes, we create a dynamic list of the most beloved beers in Scotland, as chosen by you. This not only helps new enthusiasts identify which brews might suit their palate, but also fosters a community of informed beer aficionados who appreciate the craftsmanship of Scottish brewing.
What Is the Most Popular Beer in Scotland?
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188votes
Tennent's Lager
Tennent Caledonian BreweriesThis is arguably the most popular beer in Scotland. It has a crisp, clean taste and is widely available across the country.Tennent's Lager is a popular beer in Scotland, known for its crisp and refreshing taste that is enjoyed by beer enthusiasts throughout the country. It has a distinct pale golden color with a light and creamy head, making it visually appealing. The beer has a balanced flavor profile, combining a gentle hop bitterness with a subtle sweetness from the malt. It has a medium body and a smooth mouthfeel, making it easy to drink. Tennent's Lager is often enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of dishes, including fish and chips, burgers, and traditional Scottish cuisine.- Type: Lager
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 4%
- Color: Pale Golden
- Head: Light and Creamy
- Flavor Profile: Balanced with Gentle Hop Bitterness and Subtle Sweetness
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224votes
BrewDog Punk IPA
BrewDogThis beer has gained a cult following in recent years and is known for its hoppy, citrusy taste. It is also brewed in Scotland, which adds to its popularity.BrewDog Punk IPA is a popular beer in Scotland, known for its bold and hoppy flavors. It is an India Pale Ale (IPA) that boasts a strong and distinctive taste. The beer has gained a significant following for its unique quality and character.- Style: India Pale Ale (IPA)
- ABV: 5.6%
- IBU: 60
- Color: Pale amber
- Hops: Columbus, Simcoe, Amarillo, Centennial, and Nelson Sauvin
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320votes
Belhaven Best
Belhaven BreweryThis is a popular ale in Scotland, known for its rich, malty flavor. It is brewed in Dunbar and is widely available in pubs across the country.Belhaven Best is a well-known beer in Scotland that was launched in 1991. It is a classic Scottish amber ale with a smooth and balanced taste, making it a favorite among beer enthusiasts. Belhaven Best is brewed by Belhaven Brewery, one of Scotland's oldest and most respected breweries located in Dunbar, East Lothian.- ABV: 3.2%
- Style: Scottish amber ale
- Color: Amber
- Flavor: Smooth and balanced
- Aroma: Malty with hints of caramel and biscuit
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416votes
Innis & Gunn Original
Innis & Gunn Brewing CompanyThis is a Scottish beer that is aged in oak barrels, which gives it a unique flavor. It is known for its notes of vanilla and toffee.Innis & Gunn Original is a prominent beer in Scotland known for its distinctive flavors and high-quality craftsmanship. It is an oak-aged beer that showcases a balanced combination of malt and oak character.- ABV (Alcohol By Volume): 6.6%
- Beer Type: Scottish Ale
- Color: Amber
- Aroma: Toffee, vanilla, and hints of citrus
- Taste: Rich malty sweetness with notes of caramel, oak, and a slight hop bitterness
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512votes
Harviestoun Old Engine Oil
Harviestoun BreweryThis is a dark, rich beer that is brewed in Alva, Scotland. It has notes of coffee and chocolate and is a popular choice among beer lovers.Harviestoun Old Engine Oil is a rich and decadent beer, known for its dark and intriguing flavor profile. It is a traditional Scottish porter, crafted by the Harviestoun Brewery.- Style: Scottish Porter
- Color: Dark brown to black
- ABV (Alcohol By Volume): 6%
- IBU (International Bitterness Units): 50
- Malts: Roasted barley, chocolate malt, crystal malt
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69votes
Williams Bros. Joker IPA
Williams Bros. Brewing Co.This is a light, refreshing beer that is brewed in Alloa, Scotland. It has a citrusy taste and is a popular choice for summer drinking.Williams Bros. Joker IPA is a highly regarded and popular craft beer in Scotland. It is an India Pale Ale (IPA) known for its bold and hop-forward characteristics. This beer is a testament to the traditional IPAs, offering a balanced blend of malt sweetness and hop bitterness.- ABV: 5.0%
- IBU: 55
- Color: Deep amber
- Hops: Cascade, Centennial, Citra, Nelson Sauvin
- Malts: Pale, Munich, Crystal
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78votes
Orkney Brewery Dark Island
Orkney BreweryThis is a dark, malty beer that is brewed in Orkney, Scotland. It has notes of chocolate and coffee and is a popular choice for colder weather.Orkney Brewery Dark Island is a rich and full-bodied beer that represents the distinct flavors of Scotland. It is a premium dark ale with a smooth and velvety texture, delivering a complex blend of malt, chocolate, and coffee notes. The beer has a lovely deep ruby color and a creamy off-white head, making it visually appealing as well. With its balanced bitterness and slightly sweet finish, Dark Island offers a truly indulgent beer experience.- Beer Type: Dark Ale
- Alcohol Content: 4.6% ABV
- Color: Deep Ruby
- Flavor Profile: Malt, Chocolate, Coffee
- Texture: Smooth, Velvety
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87votes
Cairngorm Brewery Black Gold
Cairngorm BreweryThis is a dark beer that is brewed in Aviemore, Scotland. It has notes of coffee and chocolate and is a popular choice among beer lovers.Cairngorm Brewery Black Gold is a renowned beer from Scotland, known for its rich and flavorful profile. It is a dark and robust porter with a smooth and velvety texture, offering a fusion of roasted malt, chocolate, and coffee flavors. The beer features a balanced bitterness and a hint of smokiness, making it a favorite among beer enthusiasts.- Beer Type: Porter
- ABV (Alcohol By Volume): 4.4%
- Color: Dark Brown to Black
- Flavor Profile: Roasted Malt, Chocolate, Coffee, Smokiness
- Bitterness: Medium
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98votes
Fyne Ales Jarl
Fyne AlesThis is a light, refreshing beer that is brewed in Cairndow, Scotland. It has a citrusy taste and is a popular choice for summer drinking.Fyne Ales Jarl is a popular beer in Scotland known for its refreshing and citrusy flavor. It is a light and hoppy ale that is loved by beer enthusiasts for its sessionable nature.- Style: American Pale Ale
- ABV: 3.8%
- IBU: 40
- Color: Straw yellow
- Aroma: Citrus, tropical fruits
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1010votes
Strathaven Ales Craigmill Mild
Strathaven AlesThis is a dark, malty beer that is brewed in Strathaven, Scotland. It has notes of chocolate and coffee and is a popular choice for colder weather.Strathaven Ales Craigmill Mild is a Scottish beer known for its rich and malty flavor profile. This traditional dark mild ale has a smooth and creamy texture combined with hints of chocolate and roasted malt.- Style: Dark Mild Ale
- ABV: 3.5%
- Color: Dark brown
- Flavor profile: Malty, chocolate, roasted malt
- Body: Medium
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Ranking factors for popular beer
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Sales figuresThe volume of beer sold in the country can be an indicator of its popularity. Consider annual sales figures, sales growth, and market share when comparing different beers.
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Consumer surveys and ratingsOnline reviews and ratings from consumers can be a useful measure of a beer's popularity. Websites like RateBeer, BeerAdvocate, and Untappd gather ratings and opinions from beer enthusiasts, giving insight into how well-loved certain beers are.
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Awards and recognitionConsider any awards or recognition a beer has received, such as those from beer competitions like the Scottish Beer Awards, the Great British Beer Festival, or the World Beer Awards. This can indicate a beer's quality and popularity among industry experts and judges.
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Brand awareness and reputationSome beers may have a strong brand recognition and reputation throughout the country. This could be due to factors such as successful marketing campaigns, association with popular events or locations, or historical significance. Gauge public opinion and awareness of different beer brands when considering their popularity.
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Distribution and availabilityA beer's popularity may be influenced by how widely distributed and available it is in Scotland. Some beers might only be available regionally, while others are readily found in pubs, restaurants, and stores throughout the country.
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Style preferences and trendsDifferent beer styles may be more popular than others in Scotland, depending on factors like regional preferences and evolving drinking trends. Consider how well-received certain styles of beer are among Scottish consumers in relation to the beer you're evaluating, taking note of whether a beer's style is currently trending or traditional.
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Price and affordabilityA beer's price point and affordability can also influence its popularity. More expensive beers may be popular among enthusiasts, but might not be as widely consumed by the general public, impacting overall popularity.
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Cultural and historical significanceSome beers may have a certain cultural or historical significance that makes them popular in Scotland, even if they're not the highest-selling or top-rated beer on the market. For example, a beer with strong ties to a local community, tradition, or history may be considered very popular within that context.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular beer in Scotland. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or beer is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 4679 views
- 194 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each beer once every 24 hours. The rank of each beer is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular beer in scotland
Scotland is a land renowned for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant nightlife. And when it comes to the latter, there's no denying that beer is a beverage that Scots hold dear. From the rolling hills of the Highlands to the bustling streets of Glasgow, Scots have a well-deserved reputation for their love of a good pint. But with so many different brews to choose from, what is the most popular beer in Scotland? Join us as we explore the flavors, history, and traditions of Scotland's favorite brews, and find out which one reigns supreme in the hearts and minds of Scots everywhere.
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