THE WORLD’S MOST SCENIC FEST
FRIDAY MAY 30, 2025
fyne ales
In Matthew Curtis’ book Modern British Beer he writes that “there are few greater beer experiences to be had in Scotland than to sit among the blue, green and grey folds of Glen Fyne, a plate of freshly shucked Loch Fyne oysters in one hand and a pint of Fyne Ale’s iconic Golden Ale, Jarl, in the other.” Your guides wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment and take great delight in sharing the stunning beauty of the glen and the beers produced there with as many new people as possible.
Opened in 2001, Fyne Ales is located on the 4500-acre Achadunan Estate – a working, 6th generation family farm in the Scottish Highlands with sweeping views down to Loch Fyne or up into the dramatic peat-rich hills. The Delap family raise sheep, highland cattle, and a herd of red deer, but our main interest is in the brewery that produces award-winning traditional ale and cutting-edge craft beer. One would be challenged to find a brewhouse in a more idyllic setting, or nicer people manning the kettles.
fynefest
Once a year the good folks at Fyne Ales throw open their gates, welcoming a few thousand close friends to their weekend open-air festival. Guests (including much of the UK beer cognoscenti) often camp onsite, or maybe rent a yurt, but we’ll be conventional and stay in a hotel in nearby Tarbet.
The relaxed, family-friendly festival offers over 300 different beers, more than 30 bands of all kinds, and local delicacies like Loch Fyne oysters and cullen skink. In addition to sampling great beer, guests can dance the day and night away in the big tent, take in a Meet the Brewers panel hosted by our friends at Pellicle Magazine, hike the glen, or take a refreshing dip in the River Fyne.
accolades
The only thing we love more than our friends is the opportunity to talk about their many successes. Fyne’s excellent beers have been the winners of the Champion Beer of Scotland several times and have garnered many other awards in various other national and international competitions. Managing Director Jamie Delap has been named both the Brewer of the Year by the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group as well as the Brewer’s Brewer of the Year by SIBA in 2024. Kudos!
origins brewing
When they needed to grow to keep up with demand, Jamie and the Fyne crew created a fascinating sub-brewery within Fyne, Origins Brewing. It’s located in the old brewhouse, specifically in an 18th century milking shed. Thus Fyne is literally creating “farmhouse ales” in an actual working farmhouse!
As described by the brewery: “We see Fyne Ales Origins Brewing as an adventure; the chance to innovate and contribute something special to the ongoing story of Scottish brewing. We use this project to take risks, try new things and challenge ourselves to make unique beers that intentionally push the boundaries of style. If the idea of complex and flavourful beers that showcase what it means to be a modern, Scottish farm brewery sounds good to you, consider this an invitation to join us.”
furry friends
As if the visiting beer fan would need any more incentive to experience this splendid brewery firsthand, one might also get a chance to see Scotland’s famous “Hairy Coos,” the indigenous Highland Cattle – a herd of which is lovingly maintained at the farm.
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