Bruichladdich, Brewgooder and Vault City launch charity beer

Islay's Bruichladdich whisky distillery has joined forces with Brewgooder to create a limited-edition charity beer.

The two B Corp-certified businesses, along with sour brewery Vault City, have created the barrel-aged whisky sour beer in aid of Brewgooder's Billion Pint Pledge, which supports clean water projects around the world.

Brewed in Edinburgh, the beer used a mixed fermentation base sour and was aged for nine months in Bruichladdich casks, which had previously held spirit for its Classic Laddie whisky. The beer also contains lemon balm foraged on Islay and Scottish heather honey.

Every litre of the beer sold will fund 1,000 litres of clean water for communities around the world through the Billion Pint Pledge, a three-year initiative run by Brewgooder and charity:water which aims to support clean water projects in 22 countries.

The beer's 375ml bottle ties together design cues from each of the three companies: Brewgooder's waves, Vault City's drop pattern, and Bruichladdich's Classic Laddie aqua colour.

Brewgooder founder Alan Mahon said: "This is the beer we are most proud of. Not only is it an innovative and delicious product, it is a true demonstration of what is possible when three Scottish brands come together to deliver world-class beer with a worldwide impact."

Richard Wardrop, head of marketing at Vault City, said: "We feel this is the most interesting and rewarding beer to come out of Scotland for a long, long time and hope that it will be enjoyed by many."

Douglas Taylor, CEO of the Bruichladdich Distillery Company, said: "When the team at Vault City and Brewgooder came to us with the idea of this sour beer, we were immediately taken with the concept. As our first partnership with a brewery and a fellow B Corp, this is a unique collaboration between progressive Scottish brands who believe their impact can go beyond simply making flavourful drinks."

The limited-edition beer (11% ABV) will be released on 30 November at vaultcity.com before rolling out to export markets.

30 November 2021 - Bethany Whymark