Cromarty Brewing Co

Cromarty Brewing Co began with founder Craig's fascination with beer while studying brewing at Heriot-Watt University. Alongside learning the science of brewing, he developed the practical side of his craft by making beer in student accommodation and flat basements. After graduating with a first-class degree, Craig gained experience working at several breweries before deciding that he wanted to bring his own beers to market. With grant funding, some daunting bank loans and the support of his parents, Chap and Jenni, the foundations of a family-run Highland brewery were put in place.

Construction of the brewery began in spring 2011 at Davidston, a few miles south-west of the historic fishing town of Cromarty and overlooking the Cromarty Firth. A purpose-built brewhouse was fitted with stainless-steel equipment from Bavarian Brewery Technologies, and after months of construction and long days getting everything ready, the first casks of Cromarty beer left the brewery on 19 December 2011, just in time for Christmas.

As demand for the beer grew, so did the brewery. Fermentation capacity was increased in 2014 and again in 2015, allowing Cromarty to develop an increasingly varied portfolio of regular, seasonal and experimental releases. Investment continued with the addition of a bottling line in 2017, a dedicated warehouse in 2018 and a canning line in 2019, giving the brewery greater control over how its beers were produced, packaged and distributed.

Experimentation has remained an important part of Cromarty's approach throughout that growth. The brewing team regularly develops new recipes and works with other breweries on collaborations, while the range has expanded to more than twenty regular and occasional beers. That willingness to experiment sits alongside a focus on consistency and quality that has earned Cromarty numerous awards over the years.

More recently, Cromarty has continued to invest in both its production facilities and environmental performance, including technology that captures and reuses carbon dioxide produced during fermentation. Visitors to Davidston can also call into the onsite brewery store for fresh beer, new releases and merchandise, as well as the chance to meet members of the team.

Despite growing considerably from its beginnings in 2011, Cromarty remains an independent, family-run brewery supported by a small team. From its Highland home overlooking the firth, it combines modern brewing and packaging technology with the curiosity and hands-on approach that began with Craig making beer in student basements.