A Scottish independent ale brewer with mountains of talent !

Following on in a series of independent mountain related business (ok I’m stretching it a bit here ) McLovinMountains agreed to take one for the team.and try out some small batch ales from Edinburgh craft ale house – Top Out . I had the peasure of meeting them and sampling some of their brewed delights at a recent Urban Uprising event in  the Glasgow Climbing Academy.

Based in Edinburgh the bewery has been prioducing beers since 2013. In relation to their appropach here is what they say in their own words :

Inspired by brewers the world over, we aim to create the best beers we can imagine without compromise.

We have a growing stable of core beers and a steady stream of unusual, limited editions and enticing collaborations. Combining brewing influences from Germany, Scotland, Belgium and America with the worlds best ingredients we create great tasting, original craft beers.

Top put has a range made up of 7 “core” beers and 3 “limited editions” and blends Scottish and german brewing methods to provide a very tasy ale!

In their core range are

Simon Says-On, Staple, Pale Ale, Altbier, Schmankrel, South Face and the Cone with their Limited collection comprises Copperheid, Smoked Porter and gthe Winter Beer.

All are big on flavour and punch,with particular stand outs – for me the AltBier is the best but the Smoked Porter is something else!

The Alt Bier (Alt meaning old ) is a 4.3% lager-ale , dark and hoppy and sporting Ben Wyvis on its label.

The Smoked Porter is a peaty, smoky monster at 5.6% but smooth and very tasty (The official tasting notes sugest turkish coffe sweetness) – I didnt know whether to drink it or chow down on it – very moreish!

Wrapping the delicious and intriguing flavours are the beautifully designed labels incorporating Orndance survey style maps of hils and mounatins close to the head brewers heart.

They provide a unique and attractive difference to the curent trend for weird and wonderful imagery and for anyone who loves hills and maps its an instant draw. The Staple for example shows the mighty Ben Macdui in the Scottish Cairngorms (see below for more info)

As mentioned each one is unique and offers a real bang for your buck in the flavour department. Im sure everyone will have a favourite and my suggestions is to try them all (although maybe not all in one sitting!).

Enjoy! And remember – help your local independent!

Top Out’s founder and head brewer Michael spent most of his free time in recent years in the mountains and on the crags.

As a keen mountaineer and fell runner he has visited most of Britain’s walking and climbing regions as well as having travelled further afield to pursue his hobby.

On weekends you’ll often find him running in the Pentland hills, only about a mile from the brewery, or going for a quick saunter up Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh.

To sample for your self see http://topoutbrewery.com/where-to-buy.php

Follow them on Twitter @TopoutBrewery

For more information or to contact that – Top Out Brewery LLP, Unit 3, 6b Dryden Road, Loanhead, Edinburgh, EH20 9LZ, UK.

+44 (0) 131 440 0270 info@topoutbrewery.com