There’s a time and place for every beer. I love the intricate, layered flavours of a carefully crafted saison or the deep complexities of a barrel-aged stout. But sometimes, nothing hits quite like an ice-cold pint of Tennents. That’s right—I said it. For all my love of craft beer, I’m not a snob. Beer isn’t just about what’s in the glass; it’s about the moment, the people, the atmosphere.

Lager has provided me with so many fond memories over the years. From bonding with new friends at university over beer pong and off-brand Budweiser, to drinking Old Style at Wrigley Field—the official beer of the Chicago Cubs back in the day. The combination of summer sunshine, good friends, and cold, mediocre beer made the moment so perfect that we forgot the Cubs hadn’t won a championship since 1906!

That being said, the world of lager is far bigger than most people realize. While mass-produced versions dominate the taps in pubs across Scotland, a growing number of independent breweries are treating lager as an art form rather than just an efficient, industrial product. These beers take time, patience, and skill—proving that lager can be just as nuanced, exciting, and rewarding as any other style.

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This week, I’m diving into some of the best independent lagers out there—beers that respect tradition while pushing boundaries, brewed by people who care about every step of the process.

Lager may have a reputation for being simple, but the truth is, when done right, it’s one of the most rewarding styles out there. Independent breweries across the UK are proving that with patience, precision, and great ingredients, lager can be just as exciting as any hop-forward IPA or barrel-aged stout. Here are three that stand out.

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