Dundee’s 71 Brewing has been named Scottish Brewery of the Year

Dundee’s 71 Brewing has been named Scottish Brewery of the Year at the 2025 Scottish Beer Awards, marking a major achievement for the city’s fast-rising craft brewer.

The ceremony, held after the Beer Matters Conference and Trade Show at Edinburgh’s Corn Exchange, saw 71 Brewing take home several accolades for both innovation and quality.

Founded in 2016, 71 Brewing has built a strong reputation for its crisp lagers and experimental small-batch brews.

Based in Dundee’s historic Hell’s Half Acre on Bellfield Street, the brewery occupies a former industrial site once home to the Blackness Iron Works, symbolising the city’s creative reinvention of its industrial heritage.

This latest recognition follows a period of rapid expansion for the company. Earlier this year, 71 Brewing launched CANVAS, its new taproom and event venue, giving beer lovers a dedicated space to experience the brand’s creations firsthand.

The brewery also acquired Bon Accord Soft Drinks in recent months, expanding its portfolio and strengthening its position within Scotland’s drinks industry.

Alongside the top title, 71 Brewing collected a series of category awards. Cloudfall and Not Up For Debate won gold and silver in the Best Pale Ale category, Heavy Lifting took silver for Best British Style Ale, and Highline Haze claimed silver for Best Session Beer.

Managing Director Duncan Alexander described the win as a “phenomenal boost for both the business and the city,” crediting the team’s years of hard work and ambition.

He added that there are more exciting projects on the horizon to keep the brewery at the forefront of Scottish beer innovation.

As Dundee’s first operational brewery in over 50 years, 71 Brewing has played a leading role in reviving the city’s brewing heritage. Its success reflects Dundee’s growing reputation as a hub for creativity and enterprise, with this national recognition placing both the brewery and the city firmly on Scotland’s food and drink map.