Cheers to new blueberry and oat beer

It is an interesting and innovative use of Scotland’s fine produce.

A new beer brewed using Scottish field-grown blueberries and oats has been launched at the 19th Annual Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championship at Carrbridge in the Highlands.

The “Brochan” beer has been produced as a result of a partnership between the James Hutton Institute and Aviemore-based Cairngorm Brewery and joins their offering of traditional ales.

Blueberries for the new seasonal beer were grown at the James Hutton Institute site at Dundee where research is taking place to help identify suitable blueberry varieties for UK growers.

The linkup between the Institute and Cairngorm Brewery was brokered by its commercial affiliate, Mylnefield Research Services (MRS). MRS Commercial Director Jonathan Snape said it was an exciting new venture.

“We are delighted to be working with Cairngorm Brewery to produce this ale made with the very best Scottish blueberries and oats. It is an interesting and innovative use of Scotland’s fine produce,” said Jonathan.

Samantha Faircliff, Managing Director of Cairngorm Brewery added: “We have to thank Interface for facilitating the introduction to the James Hutton Institute. Interface puts businesses in touch with Scotland’s universities and academia. We are working with Mylnefield Research Services on a variety of innovative projects. Our Master Brewer, Sean Tomlinson was delighted to have Scottish blueberries to add to our oat beer called “Brochan”. He has always wanted to try a beer with blueberries so it is win-win all round!”

The new beer was not the only involvement the James Hutton Institute had at the Golden Spurtle event as Professor Derek Stewart, Enhancing Crop Productivity and Utilisation theme leader, was there with a BBC film crew demonstrating how oats help fill you up for longer. His demonstration will be screened as part of a new science programme early next year.