Cairngorm Brewery Company Limited

Unit 12, Dalfaber Industrial Estate, Aviemore, Inverness-shire PH22 1PY

Phone: (0) 1479 812222

Website: www.cairngormbrewery.com

The Cairngorm Brewery was established in 2001 and represents the combining of two of Scotland's former brewing operations - that of Aviemore Brewery and the Tomintoul Brewery.

The Tomintoul Brewery was established in November, 1993 in an eighteenth-century former watermill in the tiny town in the Scottish Highlands by Andrew Neame, a former welder born in Kent. Andrew left the brewery in 1996 but it went on to produce somewhat legendary ales such as Laird's Ale, Wild Cat and Stag the latter two of which are still in the Cairngorm lineup. The original brewery had a 20-barrel brew-plant with a weekly output of about 60 barrels. The brewery went into liquidation in early 2000 and was purchased by the then Aviemore Brewery.

Aviemore Brewery was founded in late 1996 by former aircraft engineer Norman Swinton who was an avid home brewer. Production started in September of 1997 utilizing a 10-barrel plant that brewed up to 6 times per week. After the acquisition of the Tomintoul assets, the Cairngorm Brewing Company was founded to market the existing Aviemore products as well as selected Tomintoul products. Robbie Walker recently succeeded Samantha Faircliff as Managing Director of the firm.

The brewery continues to expand its offerings of seasonal and occasional beers. Many of their beers have become multi-award winning with Trade Winds achieving the most accolades. All the beers listed below are available year round in both bottle and cask format with the exception of Sheepshaggers Gold that is, I believe, only available in bottle.

Products:

Regular Ales:

Cairngorm Gold - 4.5% ABV
A continental style beer light in color and body. Richly hopped with Saaz and Styrian Goldings hops for a fresh, bold hop flavor and aroma.
Sheepshaggers Gold - 4.5% ABV
Sheepshaggers Gold is very reminiscent of Cairngorm Gold with a glorious golden character. Highly drinkable with a wonderful bitter hop palate.
Wildcat - 5.1% ABV
A Tomintoul classic. Strong ale with a deep amber color and a delicate bitterness provided by Challenger and Fuggles hops.
Nessie's Monster Mash - 4.4% ABV
A dark, rich, malty beer with light hop bitterness. Wonderful flavors of dark malt with a warm finish.
Stag - 4.1% ABV
Another classic Tomintoul ale brewed with dark malts for a roasted flavor but a light to medium body. A healthy dose of Challenger and Fuggles hops gives a strong initial bitterness to balance the roasted malt finish.
Tradewinds - 4.3% ABV
Multi Award Winning light golden ale brewed with a high percentage of Wheat for a clean taste. The Perle hops and elderflower give a unique fruit and citrus flavor.
Black Gold - 4.4% ABV
A unique Scottish Stout. Subtle roasted malt flavor with a soft, malty sweetness. Gently hopped to offset the sweetness of the malt.
Blessed Thistle - 4.4% ABV
A reddish colored ale bittered primarily with Blessed Thistle. Late hopped with Goldings hops and a dose of ginger for a truly unique taste.

Seasonal Ales:

Bards - 4.4% ABV
A full bodied chestnut brown colored ale that is full bodied and malty in the Scottish ale style. Biscuity caramel flavor with fruit on the nose.
Winter Flurry - 3.8% ABV
A full bodied chestnut brown colored ale that is full bodied and malty in the Scottish ale style. Biscuity caramel flavor with fruit on the nose. Traditionally bittered with Goldings for a dry and spicy finish.
Howler - 4.2% ABV
A rich flavored, russet brown strong ale with initial flavors of strong malt finishing bittersweet with hints of blackcurrant.
Santa's Sledgehammer - 5.6% ABV
A strong bronze colored ale traditionally hopped with a pleasant aftertaste.