Cromarty Brewing Co. is an independent Scottish brewery based near the Black Isle in the Highlands, known for modern craft beer brewed with creativity, balance and a strong local identity. Founded in 2011 by Craig Middleton on a farm near Cromarty Firth, the brewery began as a small operation inspired by both traditional Scottish brewing and the emerging UK craft beer movement.
Over time, Cromarty developed a reputation for approachable but characterful beer, producing everything from crisp lager and pale ale to stout, sour beer and hop-forward modern IPA. The brewery became especially well known through beers such as Happy Chappy IPA and Rogue Wave, helping establish Cromarty as one of the defining independent breweries in northern Scotland.
While many modern breweries focus heavily on hype-driven releases or extreme styles, Cromarty’s beers tend to emphasise freshness, balance and repeat drinkability alongside occasional experimental projects and collaborations. Their approach combines contemporary brewing techniques with a more grounded and accessible style of craft beer designed for pubs, food and everyday drinking as much as specialist beer culture.
The brewery’s rural Highland setting and independent ethos remain central to its identity, with strong links to Scottish food, music and local community culture. Today Cromarty Brewing Co. is widely respected within the UK craft beer scene for producing modern beer with personality while remaining approachable, consistent and genuinely enjoyable to drink.
