The 10th Annual Scottish Beer Awards Launches as Scotland’s National Celebration of Brewing Excellence
The 10th annual competition of Scotland’s leading national awards programme for brewing is now officially open. It marks a decade of celebrating the innovation, quality, and talent that define Scotland’s vibrant brewing industry.
Widely recognised as the largest beer competition in Scotland, the Scottish Beer Awards returns bigger and better than ever — ready to shine a spotlight on the outstanding craft, creativity, and business success across the sector. Each year, the awards attract over 300 beers from around 35 breweries and brewing businesses, all judged through a rigorous independent process designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and integrity at every stage.
In the highly competitive taste competition, medals are hard-won and highly prized. Only three products in each taste category are awarded medals — Gold, Silver, and Bronze — making these accolades some of the most respected in the UK brewing scene. The judging process is proudly free from commercial influence and is independently chaired, with a large expert panel carrying out blind tastings across all categories.
This milestone year introduces an exciting new chapter for the awards as they will take place immediately following the return of the Beer Matters Conference & Trade Show — a full-day gathering of brewers, suppliers, and industry leaders dedicated to business development, knowledge exchange, and networking. Both events will be hosted at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange, 11 New Market Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1RJ on Wednesday 8 October 2025, making it a landmark day for Scotland’s brewing community.
Key Dates for 2025
• Thursday 19 June 2025 – Deadline for Written Entries
• Friday 15 & Monday 18 August 2025 – Product Delivery Dates for Taste Entries
• Wednesday 8 October 2025 – Awards Presentation, Edinburgh Corn Exchange
For full details on the 2025 competition — including category line-up, entry guides, and terms and conditions — please visit the Scottish Beer Awards website.
For sponsorship opportunities and ways to get involved, please contact John@kdmedia.co.uk
Join us as we celebrate a decade of excellence, innovation, and achievement in Scottish brewing!
2025 Taste Categories:
Best Lager
Best Pilsner
Best Pale Ale
Best No Alcohol Beer (0.5% ABV and Under)
Best Low Alcohol Beer (0.6% - 3.4% ABV)
Best IPA (5.6% - 7.4%)
Best Session Beer (2.8% - 5.4%), Sponsored by Konvoy
Best British Style Ale
Best Amber or Dark Ale (3.5% - 7.0%)
Best Porter or Stout (Up to 6.4%)
Best Strong Beer (Above 6.5%)
Best Sour Beer
Best Fruit Forward or Spiced Beer
Best Juicy or Hazy Beer
2025 Business Categories:
Scottish Brewery of the Year,
Scottish Small Brewery of the Year, Sponsored by Stainless Steel Vessels Limited
Product Development Team of the Year, Sponsored by Kegstar
Best Beer Destination
Excellence in Marketing, Sponsored by Rankin Brothers & Sons
Product Delivery Details:
Taste Categories: Please deliver 12 x 330ml / 12 x 500ml / 12 x 440ml of each entered beer to the Edinburgh Corn Exchange, on Friday 15th and Monday 18th August 2025. There will be no other delivery days available this year.
Small Brewery of the Year: Please deliver 6 x 330ml or 4 x 500ml of three products on product delivery day marked Small Brewery of the Year.
Please deliver to the Edinburgh Corn Exchange on Friday 15th and Monday 18th August 2025 during the hours of 9.00am and 4.00pm. An event manager will meet you.