With a population of only 120 people, one single track circular road, one hotel, one shop and, of course, one brewery, Colonsay is a unique and challenging place to make beer. At the mercy of the weather, winter proves particularly harsh for the locals. The lifeline ferry (which runs three times per week in those winter months, taking two-and-a-half hours to sail from Oban) brings much needed supplies when it can berth in the harbour.... but in freezing galeforce winds, this is far from guaranteed.
The brewery was set up in June 2007 (the same month of the same year as Brewdog interestingly) to guarantee fresh beer for the island's drinking population all year round. The beers - Pig's Paradise Blonde, IPA and a traditional 80 shilling - are characterised by their easy drinking style. The islanders wanted beers that they could enjoy time after time and the more trendy American style extra-hoppy