Campervan Heathland House Nitro Extra Special Bitter 460ml

Campervan Brewery feels exactly like modern independent brewing should feel. Creative without becoming exhausting, experimental without disappearing completely into weirdness, and proudly local in a way that still feels genuine rather than focus-grouped by marketing departments. Born in Edinburgh in 2016, the brewery started small and gradually built a loyal following through approachable but characterful beers and a very obvious love of community-driven beer culture.

The name came from founder Paul Gibson literally brewing while travelling around Europe in a campervan, which already gives the whole project a slightly more romantic backstory than most breweries get. Thankfully the beers themselves live up to it. Campervan’s range tends to lean bright, modern and easy-drinking, with lots of crisp pales, lagers and sessionable styles sitting alongside the occasional seasonal experiment when the brewery feels like causing a bit of trouble.

What makes Campervan stand out is how balanced everything feels. Even the hoppier beers rarely become palate-destroying hop grenades, and there’s usually a freshness and drinkability running through the whole lineup that makes the beers very easy to accidentally consume several of. Dangerous in the best possible way.

The brewery also feels deeply tied into the Edinburgh food and drink scene. Taproom events, collaborations, local markets and community projects all form a big part of what they do, giving the whole operation a properly independent feel that’s increasingly rare as the beer world gets swallowed by giant multinational brewing empires wearing fake craft disguises.

Basically, Campervan makes the sort of beer you actually want in the fridge. Relaxed, modern, flavourful and reliably good company after a long day.