IT COULD BE said that of all Moray’s craft breweries there is one ‘flying high’ above the opposition – the Windswept Brewing Company.
Today in the final part of our mini-series on the breweries behind Moktoberfest weekend on October 10 and 11, we feature the beer that arrived like a Tornado out of RAF Lossiemouth.
Windswept came about when two former RAF pilots, Al Read and Nigel Tiddy, decided to take their hobby to a new level. Both airmen loved the outdoor life that Moray afforded them and so sought to create a brand that reflected the wild and windswept coast and hills of the Scottish Highlands.
Work started on their Lossiemouth brewery in October 2012 – and just a month later vessels arrived from Oban Ales of Fort William, allowing the first brew to be produced by the end of November that year – their 5% APA.
Al explained: “The brewery is capable of producing nearly 3000 pints of craft brewed beer per brew and has since produced award-winning contemporary ales, hand crafted for exceptional taste.
“The ingredients are fresh and simple – quality British malted grains, hops for flavour and bitterness, fresh wet yeast (not dried, taste the difference) and local Speyside water.
“All our beers are natural – meaning they are suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Unlike many other commercial breweries, the precise brewing process ensures the flavour and clarity of the beer.”
This year only 14 Scottish beers were awarded the distinguished ‘Great Taste Stars’ – Windswept were responsible for six of these. Their single-hop IPAs Tornado and Typhoon beers both received 2-star awards while the Blonde, APA, Wolf and the Wolf of Glen Moray were all awarded 1-star.
Nigel said: “These awards are widely recognised as a stamp of excellence by consumers and retailers alike.”
Windswept love to show off their beer and so are happy to accommodate individuals and groups on tours of the Lossiemouth facility. Also if you are a real ale group or other specialist interest party and would like enhanced guided tastings, contact them at Unit B13 on Coulardbank Industrial Estate, Lossiemouth, IV31 6NG or call 01343 814310.
They can also be contacted by email to info@windsweptbrewing.co.uk.
Windswept beers are available online, at the brewery or at Gordon & MacPhail’s shop in Elgin. You can also visit Windswept on Facebook.