Tempest Brewing Co.

From Humble Beginnings to Internationally Renowned Craft Beer

Tempest Brewing Co. was born in 2010, thanks to the shared vision of Gavin and Annika Meiklejohn. Their journey began thousands of miles away in New Zealand, where Gavin worked as a chef. During his time there, he became inspired by the burgeoning craft beer scene that emphasised creativity, fresh ingredients, and bold flavours. That experience planted the seed for what would eventually become one of Scotland’s top craft breweries.

When the couple returned to Scotland, they settled in the town of Kelso, in the Scottish Borders, and opened a small brewpub. The brewery started in the basement of this pub with a modest 50-litre kit, and from those small beginnings, Tempest began crafting what would become some of the most exciting beers in the UK.

The Move to Galashiels: A Brewing Evolution

By 2013, the demand for Tempest's unique, flavour-forward beers outgrew the small-scale brewpub. This led Gavin and Annika to relocate the brewery to Tweedbank, just outside of Galashiels in the Scottish Borders. The new facility, with its 16-hectolitre system, allowed Tempest to ramp up production while maintaining their artisanal approach to brewing.

The brewery’s new home provided not only more brewing capacity but also the space to be more experimental. This freedom allowed Gavin, with his culinary background, to approach brewing in a creative and innovative way. Each beer was meticulously crafted, with a focus on using the best ingredients, precise techniques, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of traditional beer styles.

The Brewing Process: Craftsmanship at the Core

Tempest Brewing Co. prides itself on using a hands-on approach to brewing. The process begins with carefully selected malted barley and specialty grains, chosen for their unique flavour profiles and brewing characteristics. Tempest also emphasises the importance of water, sourcing from the nearby Tweed River, which provides soft, pure water ideal for brewing.

Each brew is crafted in small batches, allowing for close monitoring of every step in the process to ensure consistency and quality. The brewing team at Tempest has always been about experimentation. They combine brewing traditions with modern techniques, utilising cutting-edge equipment to create beer that is consistently of the highest quality while still pushing the limits of what's possible.

Fermentation is treated with the utmost care, with yeast strains selected for specific beers and styles. Whether it’s a clean and crisp ale or a more complex, mixed fermentation beer, the yeast plays a vital role in shaping the final product.

Hops: The Heart of Tempest’s Flavour Profile

Tempest Brewing Co. takes hops seriously. Their beers feature a wide variety of hop varieties sourced from all over the world, each chosen to give their brews distinctive flavours and aromas. Some of their favourites include:

• Nelson Sauvin: This unique hop from New Zealand adds tropical fruit and wine-like notes to many of Tempest’s beers, particularly the iconic Long White Cloud.
• Mosaic: Known for its complex and fruity character, Mosaic delivers layers of berry, citrus, and floral aromas. You’ll find this hop featured in many of their hop-forward IPAs and pale ales.
• Citra: Citra provides bold citrus and tropical fruit flavours and is a key hop in beers like Mango Berlinner and Vermont Sessions.
• Simcoe: Valued for its versatility, Simcoe brings piney, earthy, and citrus elements into the mix and is often used to balance out more fruity hop varieties.

Tempest also uses a variety of European noble hops in some of their lagers and saisons, bringing balance and complexity to those brews with earthy, spicy, and floral undertones.

Signature Beers and Seasonal Creations

Tempest Brewing Co. has developed an impressive range of beers over the years, from their core lineup to seasonal and experimental brews. Some highlights include:

• Long White Cloud: A New Zealand-style pale ale, this beer features the tropical fruit flavours of Nelson Sauvin hops balanced with a crisp, clean finish.
• Mango Berlinner: This refreshing sour beer is a Berliner Weisse infused with fresh mango for a tangy, juicy kick.
• Modern Helles: A take on the classic Bavarian lager, Modern Helles is clean, crisp, and perfect for those who appreciate a well-crafted lager with subtle hops and a malt-forward body.
• Vermont Sessions: This session IPA is packed with juicy hops like Citra and Mosaic, delivering big flavour at a lower ABV, making it an easy-drinking favourite.
• Mexicake: One of Tempest’s most daring creations, Mexicake is an imperial stout brewed with cocoa, cinnamon, vanilla, and hot chilli, inspired by traditional Mexican flavours.

Sustainability and Innovation: Brewing with Purpose

Beyond brewing great beer, Tempest is committed to sustainability and responsible brewing. They focus on reducing their environmental impact in several ways:

• Local Sourcing: Whenever possible, Tempest sources ingredients locally, from malt to adjuncts like fruit and spices. This supports local farmers and reduces their carbon footprint.
• Energy Efficiency: The brewery has invested in energy-efficient brewing equipment, minimising waste and making their brewing process more eco-friendly.
• Recycling & Waste Reduction: Spent grain is sent to local farms to be used as cattle feed, reducing waste and contributing to a circular economy.

The brewery is also actively involved in their local community, participating in festivals, hosting events, and collaborating with other local businesses. Their commitment to the Scottish Borders region remains strong, and they’re proud to support and represent the area’s growing craft beer scene.

Where They Are Now: A Scottish Success Story

Today, Tempest Brewing Co. is a key player in the UK craft beer scene, and their influence is spreading far beyond Scotland. Their beer is now available in over 20 countries, and they continue to innovate with new styles and experimental brews.

Tempest’s brewery in Tweedbank has expanded over the years to include a popular taproom, where visitors can sample fresh beers directly from the source. It’s a space that celebrates everything they stand for: great beer, great people, and a relentless passion for quality.

With numerous awards under their belt, including multiple wins at the Scottish Beer Awards and the International Beer Challenge, Tempest’s beers continue to win over beer enthusiasts from all corners of the world.

Visit Tempest Brewing Co.

A visit to Tempest Brewing Co. is a must for any beer lover passing through the Scottish Borders. Take a brewery tour, meet the team, and taste the freshest brews straight from the source. Whether you’re a fan of crisp lagers, hop-forward IPAs, or adventurous sour beers, Tempest offers something for every palate.

By blending innovation with tradition, Tempest Brewing Co. has cemented its place as a pioneer in the craft beer world, and they show no signs of slowing down.

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