Edinburgh’s Cold Town Beer is building its name around a simple idea: if drinkers do not love a beer, they do not brew it again.
The Scottish brewer says its beers are handcrafted in small batches, tested on draught, and only moved into cans if they prove popular with drinkers.
A Brewery With Edinburgh History Behind It
Cold Town Beer takes its name from Calton Hill, which was once known as Caltoun, meaning “Cold Town”. The brewery also leans heavily into Edinburgh’s long brewing heritage, pointing to the city’s natural water and access to local barley as part of its beer-making story.
Chosen By Drinkers
Rather than simply producing beer and pushing it into the market, Cold Town says its range is “guided by you”. Beers are tank brewed first, then moved onto bars across the country if customers respond well. If they continue to sell, they are canned for wider sale.
Core Beers, Limited Editions And Big Scottish Character
Its range includes a Classic Core Range, an experimental LAB° Range, and special releases such as Super Swally. The LAB° beers are described by the brewery as small-batch, limited-edition and deliberately experimental.
A Brewery On The Rise
Cold Town Beer has also been gaining wider attention. In 2025, its Barrel Aged Imperial Stout was named Beer of the Year – United Kingdom at the London Beer Competition, while Cold Town House in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket was later named Scotland’s Best Beer Destination at the Scottish Beer Awards.
Why It Matters
In a crowded craft beer market, Cold Town’s approach feels refreshingly direct. Brew small, listen to drinkers, keep the favourites, and move on from the rest.
For pub lovers, it is another reminder that some of the best beer stories are not just about what is in the glass, but about the people choosing what survives.
Tags: Cold Town Beer, Edinburgh Beer, Scottish Beer, Craft Beer, Real Ale, Beer News, Pub Social, UK Breweries, Cold Town House, Beer Awards
