Edinburgh Castle gives name to new Caledonian beer

Edinburgh’s Caledonian Brewery has teamed up with Edinburgh Castle in a new collaboration which celebrates two icons of the city.

Stephen Duncan of Historic Scotland and Andy Maddock of Caledonian Brewery toast the beer. Picture: Comp

Edinburgh Castle, which is operated by Historic Scotland , is to lend its name to the 80/- beer which has a new and improved recipe, and will now be known as Edinburgh Castle 80/-.

The launch of Edinburgh Castle 80/- coincides with Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink with this definitive Scottish beer style instrumental to Scotland’s status as a leader in brewing.

Andy Maddock, MD of Caledonian Brewery says: “The Caledonian Brewery has been at the heart of Edinburgh life for 145 years. We brew our beers with passion and pride, in a traditional Victorian brewery, set in the heart of Edinburgh. We are delighted to have signed the agreement with Historic Scotland to feature the name of this world-famous landmark which reflects the pride we have in our Edinburgh roots.”

Commenting on the innovative collaboration, Historic Scotland’s Director of Commercial and Tourism, Stephen Duncan, said: “We are extremely pleased to have partnered with another Edinburgh institution, the Caledonian Brewery, on this exciting new enterprise, which will see the launch of the first official Edinburgh Castle beer – an entirely new venture for us.

“The launch of this partnership is made doubly special in the ’Year of Food and Drink’, 2015, which celebrates and promotes Scotland’s vast larder of quality produce, and we are sure that this new collaboration will be a fitting addition in what is a special year for Scottish producers.”

Both the beer and the castle are known throughout the world and this new collaboration will see the image of the castle proudly displayed on cask beer pumps across the nation. From Easter, bottles of Edinburgh Castle 80/- will be widely available to purchase, including at its namesake, Edinburgh Castle.

The beer is brewed with five types of malted barley for a full bodied, complex and bittersweet taste, combining malty caramel and fruity aroma with a soft hoppy, and spicy finish.