Broughton Ales Limited

Broughton, Biggar, Peebleshire ML12 6HQ

Phone: (0) 1899 830345

Website: www.broughtonales.co.uk

Established in 1979 by David Younger and James Collins in a former abattoir just outside Biggar in the Scottish Borders, Broughton Ales was one of the first initiated and few remaining smaller brewing operations opened in an attempt to renew Scottish enthusiasm for cask ale. Younger was a former Scottish & Newcastle executive as well as coming from the long line of famous Edinburgh brewing Youngers, while Collins was a member of the family owning the famous Scottish publishing company. They succeeded where many other similar ventures at the time failed. Despite this, the company fell into receivership in 1995 but was rescued by Giles Litchfield of Derbyshire's Whim Ales which he had opened two years previously. He continues to participate in the daily workings of the brewery.

Alistair Mouat, Managing Director and Head Brewer, came to Broughton in 1994 having worked for Belhaven Brewery since 1972. Alistair started his brewing career at the Heriot Brewery (formerly Jeffrey's Brewery) in Edinburgh at the age of 18 and eventually graduated from Heriot Watt University with a degree in brewing. He is assisted by Ian Smith who has also been with Broughton for nearly 20 years.

The original 40-barrel brew plant was designed by Stirling Gardiner, former Head Brewer/Production Director at the historic Holyrood Brewery (last owned by Scottish & Newcastle) and is still in use but has been upgraded and expanded. At present roughly 200 barrels are produced weekly with an annual output of about 4000 barrels.

At present, the brewery is using Optic malted barley grown in the UK and malted by Greencore. Many different varieties of UK hops are used as well as organic hops from both New Zealand and the UK, all in pellet form. Ale yeast is Broughton's own strain originating from Vaux of Sunderland and a dried lager yeast is also used. All beers utilize a single step infusion mash.

About 200 outlets in Scotland are supplied by Broughton in both cask and bottle sales. The company also exports to a number of countries outside the UK and anticipates significant growth in the US in the coming years. In addition to their Beers With Character line that are all offered in bottled format as well as in permanent or occasional cask format, there are a few additional permanent cask ales as well as a significant number of regular seasonal and occasional cask ales available throughout the year.

Products:

Beers With Character - Permanent Bottled Beers (Cask availability noted):

Greenmantle Ale - 3.9% ABV
A dark copper colored ale with a rich fruity bitter-sweet flavor and clean hop aftertaste, named after John Buchan's novel "Greenmantle". This is Brougton's flagship ale that has been brewed since the opening of the brewery. Also available as a seasonal/occasional cask ale.
Black Douglas - 5.2% ABV
A dark ruby colored full-bodied malty ale with hints of roasted fruit. Also available as a seasonal/occasional cask ale.
The Ghillie - 4.5% ABV
A copper colored ale with glorious hop aroma and flavor from the addition of both UK and German hops. Also available as a seasonal/occasional cask ale.
Exciseman's 80 Shilling - 5.2% ABV
Broughton's interpretation of the classic Scottish 80/- style. A traditional cask ale with a rich flavor and dark malt color finished with fine hop aftertaste. Also available as a permanent cask ale.
Merlin's Ale - 4.2% ABV
A light golden colored hoppy ale with a malty character and delicate floral hop aroma. Also available as a permanent cask ale.
Old Jock - 6.7% ABV
A classic Scottish Strong Ale. Surely one of the definitive examples of the Scotch ale style. Rich, dark malty flavor with a deceiving drinkability for its ABV. Also available as a permanent cask ale.
Scottish Oatmeal Stout - 4.2% ABV
A classic example of a Scottish Oatmeal Stout. Rich flavors of Black Malt and Roasted Barley finished with the silkiness provided by the addition of Pinhead Oats. Also available as a seasonal/occasional cask ale.
Angel Organic Lager - 5.0% ABV
Brewed from fully organic UK malt and organic hops from New Zealand. A pale golden lager with characteristic soft malt and subtle hop flavors. Currently not available in cask format.
Border Gold - 6.0% ABV
Brewed from fully organic UK malt and organic hops from New Zealand. A light golden colored ale with a fine hop aroma and aftertaste. Also available as a seasonal/occasional cask ale.
Dr. Johnson's Definitive Ale - 5.0% ABV
A dark, rich, traditional ale reminiscent of ales perhaps sampled by Dr. Samuel Johnson on his journeys in Scotland accompanying James Boswell. Hopped for flavor and aroma with Northdown hops. Also available as a seasonal/occasional cask ale.

Other Permanent Cask Ales:

Clipper IPA - 4.2% ABV
A clean, refreshing well-hopped slightly malty ale in the India Pale Ale style. Strong hop character and clean hop bitterness.
The Reiver - 3.8% ABV
A light colored, refreshing session ale brewed with a subtle dose of Crystal Malt and a good helping of First Gold hops for flavor and aroma.
Broughton Special Bitter - 3.8% ABV
A strongly hopped, light colored session ale with a bittersweet flavor and a strong hop aftertaste.