Reuben’s in Dunfermline producing new de Brus beer

Cafe-Deli launches pale ale

Reuben’s Café and Wine Store in Dunfermline has started producing its own beer.

Named after the ancient family name of Robert the Bruce, whose grave lies a short walk from the café in Dunfermline Abbey, de Brus Dunfermline Pale Ale is the brainchild of Reuben’s owner David Austin.

‘We’ve done a bit of research,’ says Austin, ‘and discovered that, although Dunfermline hasn’t had a brewery in over a century, there used to be seven based in the town.’

The bottled ale – which will be sold in Reuben’s and eventually other venues nearby – isn’t actually brewed in the town, but it’s made to a recipe Austin believes reflects this local heritage.

‘It’s a pale, light ale, which is quite a modern thing,’ he says, ‘but we’ve incorporated classic elements of Scots brewing, for example the use of honey in our recipe.’