ScotBeer Tours guide shares her thoughts on beer

Meet the Women in Beer: Jenny Watt from ScotBeer Tours

3/3/2018

Part 1 of our Women in Beer series for International Women's Day

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.

Scot Beer Brewery Tour Guide in Edinburgh

Jenny Watt, ScotBeer Guide

Is working in the beer industry different than what you thought it would be?
Yes. I really still can’t believe this is my job, it’s great. Every day at work I meet some wonderful like-minded people, and total strangers meeting on tours connect over their love of beer, it’s really fantastic.

Everyday at work, I meet wonderful like-minded people, and total strangers connect over their love of beer, it’s really fantastic"

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.

What is the most exciting thing about the future of brewing in Scotland?
I am loving the new flavours that breweries are coming up with and the amazing beers that are being made when breweries collaborate. Although the most exciting thing I think is that as Scottish beer gains popularity in international markets it will bring more tourism to Scotland as people travel here from all over the world to try incredible Scottish beers.

Do you think that people are more open to trying new beer styles lately?
Yes, I think people are really open to trying new beer styles and are very excited to find something new. Craft breweries certainly keep producing new and interesting beers keeping people excited about trying new beers and styles.

What’s the current beer trend?
Sours and Barrel-aged are very popular right now. I am also really enjoying the really juicy and hazy New England IPA which are popping up in beer bars.

Brew day! #mead #homebrew #heatherblossoms #honey

Una publicación compartida de Jenny Watt (@jennybwhat) el Ene 24, 2018 at 4:58 PST

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!