Cold Town Beer
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In a city where history and modern life intertwine so effortlessly, it feels fitting that one of Scotland’s most talked-about young breweries was born from a story that stretches back nearly two centuries. Cold Town Beer, based in Edinburgh, is a brewery deeply rooted in local heritage, with a name and ethos that pay homage to the capital’s long and proud brewing tradition.
The name Cold Town is a deliberate nod to Calton Hill, once known as “Caltoun” or “Cold Town,” where, in 1835, Britain’s very first lager was brewed. Carrying that spirit forward, the founders of Cold Town Beer launched the brand in 2018 with the goal of marrying old-world inspiration with a modern, creative approach to craft brewing. Their base in the Grassmarket, inside a former church, quickly became a lively hub for small-batch experimentation, community, and, of course, the joy of sharing a good pint.
At the centre of the Cold Town story is the Cold Town House, the brand’s flagship taproom and rooftop bar. Opened in 2019, it has rapidly become one of Edinburgh’s most sought-after spots for locals and visitors alike. Eight large brewing tanks sit proudly on display, producing small runs of beer that are first trialled in-house before making their way further afield. The rooftop terrace, with its panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle, adds to the sense that this is more than just a bar, it is an experience of the city itself.
The brewing philosophy at Cold Town is simple yet effective: use the best Scottish ingredients and combine them with innovation and playfulness. Their beers are crafted using 100% Scottish pale malt from Crisp Malt in Alloa, a nod to centuries of malt-making in Scotland. From this solid foundation comes a broad and ever-evolving range. While their Cold Town Lager has become something of a flagship, the brewery produces over 20 different styles, from IPAs and session pales to sours, stouts, and more adventurous creations.
Cold Town is known for pushing the boundaries of flavour. Their limited-edition brews, often released under their LAB° or CO-LAB° series, invite drinkers to explore something different, whether that’s a Berliner Weisse, a chocolate stout, or even cocktail-inspired beers. Seasonal offerings like “Proud as Helles,” released in celebration of Pride, have highlighted the brewery’s willingness to marry creativity with community causes.
Recognition has followed swiftly. In 2019, just a year after launch, Cold Town Beer was crowned Microbrewery of the Year at the Scottish Bar & Brew Awards. In 2025, they achieved perhaps their greatest accolade to date when their Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout, matured in Speyside whisky casks, was named Beer of the Year - United Kingdom at the London Beer Competition. For such a young brand, these milestones speak volumes about both ambition and craft.
Yet Cold Town has always sought to be more than a brewer of good beer. Its role in the community is equally important. They have sponsored Edinburgh’s popular Neighbourgood outdoor food and drink market, bringing people together in celebration of local hospitality. Their creation of “Doddie Beir” in honour of rugby legend Doddie Weir raised money for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, supporting research into motor neurone disease. In this sense, Cold Town reflects the best of Edinburgh itself: proud of tradition, deeply communal, and never afraid to try something new.
To learn more or to purchase, please visit: coldtownbeer.com
