Harviestoun is preparing to launch a limited edition of its premium stout Ola Dubh to mark its 40th anniversary in Scotland's craft brewing industry.

Intended as a collector's piece, the limited edition Ola Dubh will be avaiable later this year. In addition, a new lager is due to hit the shelves this summer as part of a national campaign that will include competitions and pop-up tasting events across Scotland and London.

Based in Alva, near Stirling, Harviestoun has been brewing in the shadow of the Ochil Hills since 1983. It is owned by former Caledonian Brewery executives Sandy Orr and Donald MacDonald, who took the business independent after two years under the ownership of Caledonian Brewery.

Both new products will be available to buy directly from Harviestoun’s online shop, as well as selected stores across Scotland. Limited supplies will also be available at selected pubs, bars and hotels around Scotland, including Bridge of Orchy Hotel in Argyll, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen, as well as Brompton Cross in Chelsea, London.

The Herald: Amy CockburnAmy Cockburn (Image: Harviestoun Distillery)

The two new beers have been created by Harviestoun's master brewer, Amy Cockburn, and her all-female brewing team. Ms Cockburn took over in 2022 from former master brewer Stuart Cail, who retired after 25 years with Harviestoun.

“We’re really excited to marking National Beer Day by revealing our plans for a nationwide 40th anniversary campaign," Ms Cockburn said.

"This is a significant milestone in the evolution of Harviestoun as a pioneering producer and modern craft classic. We’ve been brewing since the early 1980s and have been crafting beer long before it became a popular trend, but we’re continuing to innovate and develop our product range.

“We’re now planning to pay tribute to Harviestoun’s legacy and brewing history in the best way we know, with the launch of two exciting new products for 2023. Our new lager will go on sale this summer and our limited edition 40-year-old expression of Ola Dubh will be launched as a collector’s piece later in the year."

She added: “As Harviestoun looks ahead to the future, we’re already working hard to develop our next generation of great beers. Whatever we produce in the years to come, we'll always ensure it's true to the Harviestoun brand style and provide as much enjoyment as possible for craft beer fans around the world."

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