Beer and gin on Scotland's Golf Coast

POST-ROUND, SIT BACK, RELAX, ENJOY A BEER OR A GIN

Over the course of time, whisky and golf have always gone together. East Lothian is no exception, so much so, we have a dedicated blog to the best whisky spots on Scotland’s Golf Coast. The lowland home of Johnnie Walker, Glenkinchie, is in East Lothian too. There’s a whisky for everyone. But, after 18 holes on the links, we realise that a pint of beer, or a gin and tonic will revitalise the soul and the mind just as much as whisky.

Over the past ten/twenty years the volume of craft breweries and gin distilleries has increased dramatically. Such is the level of the region’s food provenance, there is equal pride in the beer and gin industry in East Lothian.

There is an impressive selection of local beer and gin in East Lothian and as you tour the region, you are sure to see our accommodation, restaurants and clubhouses the local tipple.

Winton Brewery

Winton Brewery’s company slogan is drink, blether, be happy. For those unfamiliar with Scottish words, blether means to chat. Born in Pencaitland, just outside Edinburgh, the micro-brewery is East Lothian through and through. With beers named Tap’s Aff and Peelywally, there is plenty of Scottish humour linked to their products too and they are brilliantly tasty. There aren’t many breweries producing a raspberry oatmeal stout!

North Berwick Distillery

Made in North Berwick, enjoyed around the world. NB Distillery is a multi-award-winning eco-distillery in North Berwick. From its infancy in the owners’ kitchen, to its current location on the outskirts of town, the focus is firmly on quality and creating the perfect spirit. Their gins have won best London Dry Gin in the world, Gold at the Scottish Gin Awards and were selected by the Royal family to celebrate Her Majesty’s 90 birthday.

Belhaven Brewery

Established in 1719, Belhaven Brewery is the oldest working brewery in Scotland. A 5-iron from Dunbar Golf Club, tours and tastings are available. The mainstay of the beer collection is Belhaven Best, but look out for Silver award winner, Wee Heavy, where cane sugar and caramel add to the sweetness of this 7.4% Scottish ale. 100% Scottish barley is used, alongside locally sourced spring water and Belhaven’s special yeast. Perfectly approachable beer.

Fidra Gin

Officially launched in 2018, Fidra Gin is inspired by the East Lothian coastline. Made in small batches and infused with locally foraged and homegrown botanicals, Fidra is fragrant with a slightly salty tang of the sea. Provenance is key and the lemon and thyme and thyme are grown locally at Archerfield Walled Garden, elderflower is foraged nearby, whilst buckthorn and rosehip can be found in the sand dunes and hedgerows of the region.

Thistly Cross Cider

To mix it up a little, but to highlight the need for a dry and sunny climate, Thistly Cross cider is another resident of Dunbar. Founder Peter Stuart has created Core Apple, together with Real Fruit cider with locally sourced apples, hand pressed on site. To end where it all began, the Whisky Cask 6.7% Scottish Cider uses malt whisky casks to give the cider warming notes of oak, vanilla, and honey.