Dundee’s first craft beer brewery is set to open in the new year, it has been revealed.
Business developer Sean McMahon and brewing expert Sean Gowans of Eden Mill Brewing told the Tele they are set to open the Hawkhill Brewery Company in February, with eventual plans to open an on-site pub.
When fully functioning, the brand new company will be able to produce 3,200 litres of beer a week.
Mr McMahon, the co-founder of the company, said the market for craft beer — artisan beers made by small breweries — is the growing trend of the licence trade and it was “about time” brewing returned to the city.
He said: “The city has been without a brewery for years and the craft beer scene is the growing trend in the licensing market.
“Dundee has a rich history in beer brewing and it is about time we brought back beer brewing to the city.”
The craft beer will be made at Sugarhouse Wynd in a building owned by Park Investments Dundee Limited, which is currently undergoing refurbishment.
Along with the creation of original beers, Mr McMahon said the strategy also involves opening up a visitor centre showcasing Dundee’s brewing history, and the opening of a brew pub next year.
He said: “We are working on strategy which will see us add to the company with a visitor’s centre, then a brew pub. If all goes well with marketing the product, we would then look to branch out and export the product internationally.”
The idea was first formulated over a year ago, with Sean setting out on a research trip around Scottish breweries.
During this time, he met Eden Mill brewer in St Andrews, Scott Gowans, who has joined the company as a consultant.
Scott, who lives in Tayport, said: “When Sean approached me with the idea for the brewery I thought it was a great opportunity to help create something original the city has been crying out for.
“The craft beer business right now is growing and the chance to create recipes for beers which will be brewed in the city is pretty exciting.”