Strathaven Ales
Address : Strathaven Ales, Craigmill Brewery, Craigmill, Strathven, ML10 6PB
Telephone No : 01357 520419
Web Site : www.StrathavenAles.co.uk
Visitors Centre : Yes
Strathaven Ales was launched in 2005 by three local business friends, Douglas and Craig Buchanan and Allan Young. There is a long history of brewing in Strathaven but the last local brewery was burned down in 1848 and it was to be one hundred and forty five years before Heather Ales opened their premises at Craigmill in 1993. By 2003 they had outgrown the mill building and moved their operation to a larger facility.
The brewery lay unused for two years until they could no longer ignore its potential to operate once again from its beautiful location on the banks of the Avon. It was felt that if the brewery could be resurrected it could help finance a visitor center serving Strathaven and the surrounding area.
The brewery is now fully operational and has a function room available. They offer a full service for hosting events at the brewery and now have a music and beer festival, called Jamfest, which is held annually.
They welcome visitors to the brewery between 2pm to 4pm daily or by appointment, at which time the process can be viewed and the products sampled in the tap room.
Here are some of the Ales produced at the Craigmill Brewery by Strathaven Ales :
The Tartan Pint
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AVONDALE 4.0% ABV
This distinctive session ale, amber in colour, offers a stunning floral aroma and subtle bitterness on the palate.
CRAIGMILL MILD 3.5% ABV
A well balanced dark mild with a rich chocolate aroma. A blend of American hops give this ale a subtle lingering orange zest aftertaste.
Claverhouse 4.5% ABV
This ale is hopped with the sharp citrus flavours of North American Oregon hops and a blend of traditional Scottish crystal and red malts.
Clydesdale IPA 3.8% ABV
A light summer drinking ale brewed uniquely using Clyde Valley hops along with Marris Otter malted barley making it an easy quaffing favourite.
Old Mortality 4.2% ABV
Naturally dried out during fermentation, this hand brewed ale has a full balanced flavour and a sweet malt finish.
Seasonal & Speciality Ales
Duchess Anne 3.9% ABV
Brewed from 50% wheat and lager malts and flavoured with fresh meadowsweet, gives this ale a refreshing, crisp finish.
Trumpeter 4.2% ABV
Brewed with a blend of roasted malts and generous quantities of Scottish oats, its coffee flavour transforms into a clean, hoppy finish.
LORD KELVIN 4.7% ABV
A copper coloured ale brewed with a combination of Maris Otter and Crystal malts, flavoured with Slovenian Hops and fresh ginger root, producing a distinctive nose and a spicy bitter finish. Limited availability.
ALEBERRY 4.6% ABV
Brewed using a blend of malts, this beer is infused with fresh damson berries following fermentation giving a delicate fruity aroma with a slightly bitter aftertaste. Limited availability.
TIMOROUS BEASTIE 4.9% ABV
A seasonal dark amber celebration ale using a blend of malts and hops to give a citrus aroma with a toffee character. Available January and February.
LINE OUT 4.0% ABV
An amber ale brewed with a combination of pale, crystal and roast malts infused with three varieties of hops producing a refreshing and satisfying beer. Available January, February and March.
SUMMER GLOW 3.9% ABV
A thirst quenching, light bodied golden ale. A combination of aromatic hops and orange zest provide an explosive citrus after taste.
WINTER GLOW 5.0% ABV
This rarely brewed, but massively popular seasonal ale is a nutty brown colour, flavoured with cinnamon and tangerine zest.
A big thank you to the breweries own web site, www.strathavenAles.co.uk , for most of the information and images on this page. For more information and a chance to buy some of their Great Ale click on the link above.