The Colonsay Brewery

Address : The Brewery, Isle of Colonsay, PA61 7YT
Telephone No : 01951 200190
Web Site : www.ColonsayBrewery.co.uk
Visitors Centre : Yes - see Breweries own web site for details
Colonsay Brewery is a micro brewery based at the heart of the small Scottish community on the Atlantic Island from which it takes its name. Here is a quote from the brewery which I believe gives a great insight into their ethos.
"It’s not easy making beers and lagers in such a remote location but we believe the unique environment of the island and our seaside location combine to allow us to make products of an exceptional quality. The pace of life here on Colonsay is that of a bygone age in mainland terms with the weeks punctuated with the coming and going of the lifeline ferry service provided by Calmac three times a week in winter and more often in the summer. The recipes for our ales, beers and lager have been developed to make the most of our unique location. We are actively working on drawing from our island’s history and researching methods of recreating the ales that the monks who ruled Colonsay and neighbouring Oransay would have brewed. The team at Colonsay Brewery have set out to capture the essential elements of this wild and rugged island and bring them together with some brewing expertise to allow you to taste... "
Here are the three excellent beers they produce:
Telephone No : 01951 200190
Web Site : www.ColonsayBrewery.co.uk
Visitors Centre : Yes - see Breweries own web site for details
Colonsay Brewery is a micro brewery based at the heart of the small Scottish community on the Atlantic Island from which it takes its name. Here is a quote from the brewery which I believe gives a great insight into their ethos.
"It’s not easy making beers and lagers in such a remote location but we believe the unique environment of the island and our seaside location combine to allow us to make products of an exceptional quality. The pace of life here on Colonsay is that of a bygone age in mainland terms with the weeks punctuated with the coming and going of the lifeline ferry service provided by Calmac three times a week in winter and more often in the summer. The recipes for our ales, beers and lager have been developed to make the most of our unique location. We are actively working on drawing from our island’s history and researching methods of recreating the ales that the monks who ruled Colonsay and neighbouring Oransay would have brewed. The team at Colonsay Brewery have set out to capture the essential elements of this wild and rugged island and bring them together with some brewing expertise to allow you to taste... "
Here are the three excellent beers they produce:

The Tartan Pint
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The Tartan Pint is all about the great breweries and fantastic beers that Scotland has to offer. It gives you information about the breweries, including a description of the history or the people behind them. There is a list of the beers they produce along with pump clip images and tasting notes, where available. The book is split into the 14 geographical area's of Scotland from Shetland to Dumfries and Galloway with a brief description of the area and a list of the breweries located in that area. Plus chapters about beer history, beer tasting and beer styles, i.e. the definition of lager, bitter, porters, etc....
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Colonsay Lager 4.4% abv
Things move slowly on this island – which suits our lager down to the ground. The rich and full flavour of this thirst quenching drink is down to its unusually long fermentation. Whether it’s the salt in the sea air that blows through the brewery, or the quality of the water – we’re not sure – but we think you will agree there is something special about this lager.
Things move slowly on this island – which suits our lager down to the ground. The rich and full flavour of this thirst quenching drink is down to its unusually long fermentation. Whether it’s the salt in the sea air that blows through the brewery, or the quality of the water – we’re not sure – but we think you will agree there is something special about this lager.

Colonsay 80/- Ale 4.2% abv
A traditional Scottish Ale brewed for export. In the old days ales were taxed in shillings per barrel depending on the strength – so this malty and flavoursome ale is at the higher end of traditional beer strengths. Some claim to find a hint of smoke in 80/- ales – our slightly peaty water may well bring that out more – discover for yourself.
A traditional Scottish Ale brewed for export. In the old days ales were taxed in shillings per barrel depending on the strength – so this malty and flavoursome ale is at the higher end of traditional beer strengths. Some claim to find a hint of smoke in 80/- ales – our slightly peaty water may well bring that out more – discover for yourself.

Colonsay IPA 3.9% abv
What you get with this beer is a pale colour to reflect the malt type, but lots of hop and citrus and character to make this a pint to be savoured.
What you get with this beer is a pale colour to reflect the malt type, but lots of hop and citrus and character to make this a pint to be savoured.
Check out the post on the blog, A View From The Bar - 27/4/2011 - as I have posted a video of myself, my brother Steven and his good friend Simon tasting all three of the beers from the Colonsay Brewery, we had fun doing it - I hope you enjoy watching it, Cheers !!!
A big thankyou to the breweries own web site, www.colonsaybrewery.co.uk for most of the information and images on this page. For more information and a chance to buy some of their excellent beer click on the link above.