Highlander

The country badge for Scotland. Check in 5 Scottish beers to get this one and remember, they all also count towards God Save the King.Highlander_lg

Like the rest of Britain, Ales originally dominated the Scottish brewing scene. Now famous breweries like Tennent’s, Belhaven and Deuchars were established in the 1700s. (They are now owned by Magners, Greene King and Heineken respectively.)

Scottish brewers also developed their own styles. For a time in the 1800s, hoppy Edinburgh pale ales rivaled India Pale Ales for popularity throughout the British Empire. There is also the Scotch Ale, which lives on today. These “wee heavies” are sweet, malty, and strong.

The craft beer revolution was bought to Scotland in a big way with the launch of BrewDog in 2007. Known for their hoppy IPAs and aggressive marketing, they now own a series of pubs around the world and have inspired many other dog themed craft breweries around the world.

Other Scottish craft breweries making waves include the more traditional Innes & Gunn, the Tempest Brew Co, Fierce Beer and Fyne Ales.

Luck of the Irish

The country badge for Ireland. Check in 5 Irish beers to get this one, before leveling it after another 5 all the way to level 100.irish

It is fair to say Guinness dominates the market in Ireland, with Heineken (Murphy’s) and Magners cider also having large market shares.

A uniquely Irish style is the Irish Red Ale, with Kilkenny and Smithwicks (both owned by Guinness) being notable examples.

Beers from Northern Ireland also count towards this badge.