The history of beer in Edinburgh is perhaps the lengthiest of any region of Scotland. Throughout the history of Edinburgh, brewing takes its place as one of the most important and oldest industries. The origin of brewing goes back to the 12th century monks of Holyrood Abbey, who took advantage of the clear spring water for the production of their ale. The brewing industry certainly contributed to Edinburgh's earned moniker of "Auld Reekie" so named due to all the smoke produced by coal and wood burning furnaces and boilers. This is evidenced by the fact that at the turn of the 20th century, Edinburgh had no less than thirty-five breweries churning out this smoke from its maltings and brewhouses. This haze may not have been so noticeable were it not for the density of the buildings and population in such proximity. There are two lists below, one for defunct and one for operational breweries & microbreweries in Edinburgh.
Operational breweries
Name Location Established Barneys Beer Summerhall Place, Edinburgh 2012 Pilot Stewartfield, Edinburgh 2013
Closed breweries
Name Established Closed NotesCaledonian Brewery1869202242 Slateford Rd, Edinburgh. Bought out By Heineken in 2008, then closed in 2022. McEwans 1856 2008 Bought out by Heineken in 2008, then by Wells & Young's Brewery in 2011 Younger%27s_Brewery 1778 1931 Merged with McEwans
See also
List of breweries in Scotland
References