​Over sixty Scottish breweries have launched in last six years. With so much excitement in the industry and International Women’s Day approaching, we’re shining a spotlight on the lassies leading the charge in Scottish brewing. What's more, you'll have the chance to meet and learn from all our featured women at the free "Women in Brewing Beer Fair" 6pm on Thursday, 8th March at Teviot Row House.

Working with one of Scotland’s newest micro-breweries, Dani Mountain spends her days traveling to festivals, trade shows, distributors as well as local shops and pubs getting the word out about Cross Borders beer. As a freelance digital marketer she’s also responsible for building their brand on social media.

With the envy inducing nickname, The Wandering Hoptimist, and a job description to match, read on to hear Dani’s thoughts on Leeds, Lithuania, cheese and today’s Scottish brewing industry.

Is working in the beer industry different than what you thought it would be?
I knew more or less what I was getting into. A lot of smaller breweries may not understand the need for social media presence, for instance, or think they can just do it themselves, which is not always the case. It's certainly harder to prove your necessity sometimes but, lucky for me, the guys at Cross Borders appreciate and understand what it is that I bring to the team. My role has certainly changed in the past 15 months I've worked with them but it's the nature of the changing of the business as they grow. It certainly keeps things interesting!

Is this really the golden age of the Scottish beer?
Things are only just beginning for Scottish beer. At times, it's hard to understand how much of a difference there is between the beers south of the border and here but you can see people' perceptions are beginning to change. There is demand for Scottish styles and beers in export markets but I do hope more also gets to move within our own markets to build up that reputation and sense of pride with UK beer as a whole.

​Quick Beer Q&A

• Where do you like visiting for beer? I love going to Leeds. Country-wise - I really enjoyed Lithuania. I love Belgian styles but have yet to do a beer vacation there.
• Favourite kind of beer? Sours, Gueuze or Imperial Stouts. Can't pick just one!
• Warm beer or cold beer? I'll always aim toward cooler beer - but a stout deserves to be room temp.
• Best food to pair with beer? Always cheese.

With Scotland entering a new "Golden Age of Beer", we're featuring the leading ladies of the Scottish beer industry in the run up to International Women's Day on 8th March. What's more, you'll have the chance to meet and learn from all our featured women at the free "Women in Brewing Beer Fair" 6pm on Thursday, 8th March at Teviot Row House.

Bringing Edinburgh's Brewing History to Life
A nutrition student at Queen Margaret University and part of the ScotBeer Tours team, most weekends Jenny can be found holding her orange umbrella meeting visitors and locals to sample the best beers from across Scotland while guiding them through Edinburgh’s fascinating brewing history.

A keen home brewer, Jenny is always researching new styles, venues and brewing stories. She's passionate about bringing Scotland's brewing heritage to life, even going so far as to brew up an historic recipe for "Cock Ale" made with chicken! Read on to hear her thoughts about the current Scottish beer industry.

Is this really the golden age of the Scottish beer?
Maybe. Scottish beer is certainly an amazing product that is now getting recognised internationally. With over 130 breweries in Scotland and new ones opening each year, the new and bold beers they are producing certainly points to Scotland heading to a golden age of brewing. If we are already there, I’d say it’s just the beginning.

Quick Beer Q&A

• Where do you like visiting for beer? Belgium.
• Favourite kind of beer? One of my absolute favourites is a beer called Azure by Lerwick Brewery in Shetland. 
• Warm beer or cold beer? If I'm sitting inside watching the Beast from the East cover Edinburgh in a blanket of white then I will be with a warm rich oatmeal stout.
• Best food to pair with beer? Fries topped with parmesan - not healthy at all I know!