Elixir Brewing Company

Barry Robertson, long-time manager of the Cloisters Bar in Edinburgh, and Ben Bullen, long-time experimental home brewer, have 'a love of big, brash new world hops and are intent to supply'. Currently contract brewing alongside the Alechemy Brewing Co. in Livingston, their first offering, Benedictine Groove, was launched in October 2012, and involved tablet and Buckfast in the brewing process. Part of their 'Bespoke Series' of very limited edition 1/2 barrel nano brews, if you're looking to try their wares you'll need to look out for the likes of Conviction IPA, a ragingly hoppy 120 IBU now available in cask and bottle, or Cuzzy Brew - also an IPA, but this time a black one, in cask and soon in bottles. A seasonal series for winter and autumn gives more scope for their experimental bias (as well as the deep seated love of puns all brewers have) - Minception was brewed with Irn Bru and festive fruit including raisins, sultanas, currants, cranberries and citrus zest.

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