About ScottishBrewing.com
General
ScottishBrewing.com is focused on providing a breadth of information on brewing in Scotland. Everything on the site is researched, written, administered and funded by the author. The information is culled from a wide variety of sources including personal experience, direct correspondence, other websites, and a multitude of books and periodicals. Every attempt is made to keep the information both timely and accurate; however, mistakes and omissions do happen so please do get in touch should you be able to help in correcting any errors.
The Author
I, Neil Spake, live in Austin, Texas but have traveled extensively in
Scotland and continue to visit frequently. I have a 'day job' as an engineer
for a high-tech firm. In addition to the extension and maintenance of this
website, I am also researching and writing a book on the history of brewing
in Scotland. I am an avid homebrewer and focus my brewing on reproducing
present and historical Scottish ales.
To say that I am fanatical about Scotland would be understating the obvious. My obsession extends way beyond my interest in Scotland's brewing heritage to Scottish history, music - trad and pop, and sport - rugby and football.
I am often asked, why Scotland? and why Scottish Brewing? I can't say that this is something I can explain necessarily. Often times, I do not understand it myself but it is my passion none-the-less. BBC Radio Scotland broadcaster, whisky author, and musician, Tom Morton, has frequently mentioned myself and this website on his radio broadcast (of which I am eternally grateful!). Many times even he has submitted that it seems quite odd - bordering on totally out of order - for a website dedicated to Scottish beer and brewing be hosted from America. In response, I only offer a couple of things. First, if I could find suitable employment in Scotland on par with what I have in Austin, I would without doubt be living there. Second, I love Scotland, I love the Scottish people, but if there is one thing I find at times disappointing, is that they so often overlook the greatness of their heritage and undervalue their incredible cultural contributions the world over be it brewing, distilling, music, technology, whatever. I developed this site and started my book research because I saw a lack, in any consolidated manner, in offering interested people in depth information on Scottish brewing. I will continue in this endeavor with the utmost zeal.
In addition to the material on the website, I authored an article on the history of Belhaven Brewery published in the Jan/Feb 2004 edition of Zymurgy, the American Homebrewers Association journal, that was reprinted in the Scottish Brewing Archive Journal. I also reviewed the classic book, "The Scottish Ale Brewer and Practical Maltster", republished by Raudins Publishing, for the Scottish Brewing Archive Newsletter.
I just completed my most recent stint during Feb/Mar 2007 at the Scottish Brewing Archive conducting further research for my book. Presently, I'm working on an article on the real history of the first lager brewing in Scotland to be published in the 2007 Scottish Brewing Archive Journal later this year.
Acknowledgements
Most importantly, love and thanks to my wife, Valarie, and children Evan and Erika for their endless sacrifice in putting up with this obsession of mine. Without my great friend, Alan McRobb, of Glasgow, I'm not sure any of this would have ever happened and I'm forever grateful. Additionally, my sincere appreciation to fellow Scots and long-time friends, John Cadden and Bruce Robertson for their continued friendship.
In the industry, my personal thanks to former archivists, Ms Alma Topen and Ms Wiebke Redlich, and present archivist, Iain Russell, at the Scottish Brewing Archive in Glasgow. PLEASE consider supporting the Archive! Also many thanks to John McGarva at Tryst Brewery in Larbert (Falkirk), George Howell at Belhaven, Ken Brooker, founder of Harviestoun, Douglas Ross at Scottish Traditional Ales, Angus MacRuary at Isle of Skye, Alastair Mouat at Broughton, and Richard and Elisabeth Roberts at Isle of Arran, for answering all my questions and their hospitality if I've been fortunate enough to visit them. Lastly to the Scottish Craft Brewers club in Edinburgh.
Finally, as mentioned previously, to Tom Morton of BBC Radio Scotland of whose show I am a daily listener. I had the pleasure of meeting Tom face to face for coffee in Glasgow during my 2007 visit. It was one of the highlights on my 'life list' of things to do. Thanks, Tom, for the many 'plugs' of the website as well as the unequaled music, patter and contests. My day isn't complete without it!
A' Best,
Neil Spake