Brewery
Traquair House
Innerleithen
Scotland
The oldest continually inhabited castle in Scotland
The Traquair House Brewery
In 1965 Traquair House brewery was founded by Peter Maxwell Stuart, 20th Laird of Traquair. Since his death in 1990 the brewery has been managed by his Catherine Maxwell Stuart, and was formed into a limited company in 1997.
Origin
The brewery (photograph above right) was originally an 18th century domestic brewery producing beer for the house and estate workers. It was disused some time after 1800 but the vessels and equipment remained untouched until it was rediscovered in 1965.
Production
Currently the brewery produces around 600 or 700 barrels per year (200,000 bottles and the remainder draught). Brewing takes place all year round with the exception of August. The brewery expanded its premises in 1993 but continues to ferment its total production in the original oak vessels. At present there is room to increase production by a further 20% but there are no plans to expand beyond this as it is intended to retain brewing in the original style and premises.
Ingredients
Traquair House Ale is made from malted barley, hops, yeast and pure spring water. No preservatives or enzyme stabilisation products are used. The malt is from Muntons in Suffolk, and the hops are East Kent Goldings. Water comes from an underground spring on the hills of Traquair Estate.
Method Of Production
The traditional brewing process used in the production of Traquair House Ale consists of the following;
1. Traditional infusion mashing process. The wort is then drawn off and boiled during which process the hops are added.
2. The wort is now cooled and pitched with top fermenting yeast under controlled temperature.
3. It is then fermented in oak over a period of seven days. The beer is then transferred into cold storage tanks or barrels and matured over a period of weeks. After maturation the beer is filtered prior to packing.
About Scotland
photography design john boyd-brent -