Hebridean brewery launches new look and range

The smallest island in the world with its own brewery is celebrating its relaunch with a colourful new look and a new blonde-style craft beer. Established in 2007 by entrepreneur David Johnston, brewer Chris Nisbet and islander Rob Pocklington, The Colonsay Brewery, located on the island of Colonsay in the Hebrides, has strengthened its team with two new directors to help drive marketing and increase distribution.

As well as a complete facelift for its IPA and 80/-, the brewery has taken the opportunity to replace its lager with Pig’s Paradise, a blonde beer named after the fertile cliff-top patch of grass where the island’s pig population used to feast on Atlantic wildflowers.

MD, David Johnston states: “The new bottles capture our values – fun, honesty, island grit and industry - and the irreverent nature of the place and its people perfectly. We have a powerful story to tell both our current and future fans.  We’ll do this through not only our new packaging and merchandise but also a great new website and engaging social media platforms.

“Our new team is focussed on growing the appeal of our beers and consequently increasing sales, primarily across Scotland’s key cities but also further afield in London and eventually overseas. As one of the smallest commercial breweries in the world, we have to be selective about where we distribute our range.”

The brewery has been in talks with its existing distribution partners as well as new partners to increase the mainland footprint of the new beers and has targeted a select number of

The brewery is currently exploring expansion plans and the addition of a second brewer to work alongside brewer Chris Nisbet. David Johnston comments: “The brewer position is a rare and exciting opportunity for the right person.  Colonsay is a remote and tranquil island, reached via a two-and-a-half hour boat journey from Oban. We are hoping to appeal to a skilled brewer looking for an opportunity to work in one of the best environments for brewing great beers and also excited by the prospect of growing with us.”

The beers are available in three styles – IPA, 80/- and Pig’s Paradise Blonde – in 500ml bottles and keg for draught sales, RRP £3.20 per bottle. The Colonsay Brewery Pig’s Paradise Blonde 4.4%abv, The Colonsay Brewery India Pale Ale 3.9%abv, The Colonsay Brewery 80/- 4.2%abv.

23 November 2015 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor