Island Hopping by Swannay Brewery claims best beer in Scotland title

Island Hopping from Swannay Brewery has been named the best beer in Scotland by judges at the SIBA Independent Beer Awards last night, hosted by Drygate Brewery in Glasgow.

The awards, run by the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), are unique in that the majority of judges are brewers themselves from independent craft breweries across the UK — making them the ‘brewers’ choice awards’ in the industry.

Matthew Lynch, brewer at Swannay Brewery accepted the award at the competition. He said: “It’s amazing to win, especially for such a small brewery as this award gets our name out across the whole of Scotland and beyond.

“We think Island Hopping is a very special beer and are proud that the judges did too — it’s hoppy, fruity, and full of flavour but also balanced and easy drinking, a great first beer.”

Guy Sheppard, SIBA chairman, said: “Scotland has an amazingly vibrant and exciting independent craft beer scene and as such the quality of the entries was exceptionally high this year.

“I’d like to congratulate all of the winners and encourage anyone in or around Glasgow to head over to Drygate’s festival this evening or tomorrow to enjoy the fantastic award winning cask beers on offer.”