Nestled in the picturesque Scottish Borders, Tempest Brewing Company has emerged as a beloved craft brewery with a unique identity, creating bold, innovative beers while staying true to its humble origins. Their journey is a testament to the craft beer movement—starting small and growing into one of Scotland's most respected breweries.
Humble Foundations
Tempest Brewing Company was born from a passion for great beer. Founders Gavin and Annika Meiklejohn had spent time in New Zealand, where they discovered a love for brewing, and upon returning to Scotland, they made their dreams a reality. Initially starting as a small brewpub in a converted dairy in Kelso, the couple embraced a hands-on approach, brewing in tiny batches but with big ambitions.
The early days were filled with challenges, from operating on a shoestring budget to learning how to scale their brewing process. However, this allowed them to focus on the quality and craftsmanship of each batch, cementing their reputation as a brewery committed to innovation and creativity.
Venturing into Scotland
Tempest’s bold approach to brewing quickly gained attention, and the company outgrew its original location, prompting a move to a larger facility in Tweedbank, Scottish Borders. This relocation gave them the opportunity to expand production and experiment with new recipes, all while staying deeply connected to their roots in Scotland.
Their philosophy revolves around using high-quality ingredients—sourcing hops, malts, and other components from around the world, while taking inspiration from their natural surroundings. This international outlook, blended with local influences, has led to a range of exciting and unique beers. They’ve gained particular acclaim for their barrel-aged brews, which are aged in bourbon or brandy barrels to create complex, layered flavors.
Innovation and Creativity
One of Tempest’s standout creations is the Mexicake Bourbon Barrel Stout, a beer with an intense vanilla aroma, notes of charred oak, and the warmth of bourbon. Aged for months, this beer exemplifies the brewery’s willingness to take risks and push the boundaries of what beer can be. Another favorite is the Vermont Sessions IPA, a sessionable beer packed with tropical fruit flavors, thanks to the use of Mosaic and Simcoe hops.
Tempest doesn’t shy away from combining unexpected flavors, like their Cranachan Wee Heavy, which incorporates traditional Scottish ingredients such as raspberries, oats, and honey. The result is a rich, full-bodied ale that gives a nod to Scottish heritage while maintaining a modern twist.
Embracing the Future
As they continue to evolve, Tempest Brewing remains committed to sustainability and the environment. Their brewery operates with a focus on minimizing waste and energy usage, reflecting a deep care for the local environment they call home.
With plans to keep expanding their reach both locally and internationally, Tempest’s growth mirrors the ever-expanding craft beer movement. Despite their success, they remain deeply connected to their roots—always experimenting, innovating, and striving to create the next great beer.
Tempest Brewing Company stands as a shining example of how passion, craftsmanship, and innovation can turn a small brewery into a respected name in the industry, all while staying true to their origins in the heart of Scotland.
