The Hour

The Hour's resident wine expert Tom Cannavan branched out into the world of beer to check out some ales from a range of Scotland's finest independent brewers.

Throughout the beer industry in Scotland, across the UK and around the world there has been an increasing trend towards small, independent brewers, known as craft brewers.

Tom picked out three of the finest exports from Scottish craft brewers that will make ideal summer refreshments.

1. Cairngorm Brewing Company, Trade Winds, Scotland, £2.15 Waitrose.
Brewed with wheat instead of barley, this unique Scottish beer has a bright, aromatic nose with an interesting mix of Elderflower.  It's a strong, zingy beer with flavours of lemon and clove.  Due to it's brightness this beer is suited for fans of Sauvignon Blanc and, similarly, goes well with risotto, goats cheese and asparagus.

Tom says it's unusual but delicious beer to drink on it's own and at 4.3 per cent alcohol, it isn't too heavy either.

2. Brew Dog, 5am Saint Amber Ale, Scotland, £1.39 Tesco.
From the experimental Highland brewers Brew Dog, this is a flavoursome beer brewed with Amarillo hops that is very strong on the nose bursting with grassy, lychee and berry fruit flavours.  It's packed with flavours with a bitter-sweet effect and has 5 per cent alcohol content - a little more conservative for the company responsible for the world strongest beer at 55 per cent.

3. Hebridean Brewing Co., Berserker, Scotland, £2.09 Sainsbury's.
This is a strong, traditional Indian Pale Ale at 7.5 per cent based on a 150 year-old recipe.  Brewed on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland, the beer has a rich, malty nose with notes of fudge and toffee.  According to the expert, it's an extremely satisfying beer that compliments its malty richness with a fresh hit of hops.

For more beer and wine recommendations visit The Hour's STV website and follow Tom on Twitter @winepages.

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