Pilot Beer started in 2011 when founders Matt Johnson and Patrick Jones met while studying Brewing and Distilling at Heriot-Watt. They began brewing together in a garage before launching the brewery properly in Leith a couple of years later. From the start, the aim was simple: make beer that felt fresh and different from the traditional ales and copycat craft beers that were everywhere at the time.
That experimental mindset is still a huge part of what makes Pilot stand out. The brewery has built a reputation for modern, flavour packed beers that never take themselves too seriously. Their range moves comfortably from soft, juicy pale ales and IPAs to crisp lagers, fruity sours, dark beers, and one off seasonal releases.
Pilot is probably best known for beers like Leith Lager, a clean, unfiltered pilsner brewed as a tribute to the area they call home. A lot of their beers feel tied to Leith itself: independent, creative, a bit unconventional, and easy to get along with.
One thing people really love about Pilot is that the brewery always feels approachable. Even the more experimental beers are brewed to be enjoyable first and foremost. There’s loads of attention to detail behind the scenes, but the overall vibe is never overly serious or pretentious.
Their colourful labels and branding have become instantly recognisable in fridges and bottle shops across the UK, but it’s the consistency that keeps people coming back. Whether it’s a fridge staple IPA or a limited release sour, Pilot rarely misses.
The brewery is still based in Leith today, running tours, tastings, and regular new releases from their Stewartfield site.
If you’re into modern Scottish craft beer, Pilot is one of those breweries that’s always worth checking in on.
