Tempest Lowlander 80/- Shilling

Tempest began with a fairly unusual route into Scottish brewing. The founders originally planned to open a brewery in New Zealand before eventually setting up shop in an old dairy building in the Scottish Borders instead. Which feels like the sort of life decision that probably requires a long explanation over a pint.

Founded in 2010, the brewery quickly built a reputation for hop-forward beer, big flavours and a willingness to experiment without completely abandoning balance. Pale ales and IPAs remain central to the range, often packed with citrus, tropical fruit and modern hop character, but there is plenty more happening beyond that. Barrel-aged beers, stouts, saisons and mixed-fermentation projects all appear regularly.

What makes Tempest stand out is that the brewery never felt tied to one particular trend. While many breweries became locked into endless cycles of haze and hype, Tempest continued brewing across a broad range of styles. The beers generally feel driven by flavour rather than category.

The move to a larger brewery and taproom in Tweedbank reflects how far the project has come. What started as a small Borders brewery has become one of the most respected names in Scottish craft beer while still keeping a fairly independent spirit intact.

Scotland has produced some excellent modern breweries over the last fifteen years. Tempest comfortably belongs in that conversation.