About us
Founded in 2012, we are the UK’s most northerly craft brewery, based in Shetland.
Our Shetland culture, both Scottish and Nordic, gives us our unique outlook on life, and is reflected in the beers we brew.
We believe beer shouldn’t have boundaries. From lagers, to IPAs to oatmeal stouts, we have something for everyone. We brew beers that we love to drink, and we hope you enjoy them too!
Our Story
In 2012, three brothers who grew up in Shetland were disillusioned with the lack of variety of the beers available in their home islands so decided to do something about it. They started off with a lager since the cold but consistent climate in Shetland lent itself to ideal lager brewing conditions. The result was 60 ° North, a crisp, refreshing Helles lager named after the line of latitude that Shetland lies on, with Russia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Greenland,Canada and Alaska all sitting on the same latitude.
Since then, the brewery has evolved with the brothers taking a back seat, and Jonny Sandison now taking the role of Head Brewer. The brewery focuses on producing beers that they would like to drink, rather than following the crowd.
The Brewery
The brewery has a taproom, where you can sit and enjoy a fresh pint of fantastic Lerwick Brewery beer, and it can also be hired for events, parties, or music nights.
Tours also run frequently during the peak summer season. If you’re looking for things to do in Shetland, the Lerwick Brewery tour is a must! With 5 stars on Trip Advisor, no trip to Shetland would be complete without it!
Shetland
Shetland, lying 110 miles north of the British mainland and 140 miles west of Norway, is an archipelago, made up of 16 inhabited islands – though there are hundreds of uninhabited islands scattered around its coastline.
Shetland feels very different to other Scottish islands, in part, due to its long Scandinavian history which is still very prevalent in the local culture today. One of the biggest ways this is celebrated is Up Helly Aa, a series of fire festivals held throughout the islands, which sees local jarl squads dressed as Vikings hold a torchlit procession, culminating in the burning of a wooden galley ship. For the past few years, Lerwick Brewery has worked closely with the Lerwick Jarl Squad to produce a special Up Helly Aa beer which you can read more about here.
Due to its uniqueness in culture and location, Shetland has become a real place of intrigue for holiday makers and tourists. The islands offer a plentiful array of tours – you’ll never be stuck for something to do in Shetland, whatever the weather! We have put together a handy list of things to do in Shetland – read it here.
