All aboard for craft ale tastings

Award-winning Arran Brewery has begun a series of pop-up tastings on board a Caledonian MacBrayne ferry.

Based at Brodick on the island, the brewery will run a total of seven tastings over the summer on board MV Caledonian Isles, which plies the route from Ardrossan to Brodick on Arran.

The pop-up events already held have proved exceptionally popular with passengers, giving them a genuine taste of Arran as they made their journey to or from the island.

The remaining sampling sessions are staged throughout the summer on July 10 and 24, and August 7 and 21.

"We place huge importance on sourcing local products for sale in both our cafes and shops and ales from the Arran Brewery are particularly popular. As well as being available on board to drink, the beer itself makes its way into our local steak and ale pie," said Caledonian MacBrayne's Onboard Development Manager, Anne Mitchell.

"I'm sure these tasting sessions will help introduce the range to an even wider audience."

Caledonian MacBrayne's commitment to sourcing and serving Scottish produce was recognised with a nomination at this year's Scottish Food and Drink Awards.

The Caledonian Isles is also just one of nine of the company's major vessels to have gained VisitScotland's Taste Our Best accreditation this year, for having more than than 50 per cent locally sourced ingredients in their on board menus.

Arran Brewery's, managing director, Gerald Michaeluk said:

"We like to take every opportunity to introduce the range of flavours and styles we brew here on Arran to new audiences.

"The diversity of our beer will surprise many, our advisors will be on board not just to explain what makes our beer special, but also to demonstrate how well our beers go with different foods. These tasting sessions give us the chance to introduce our products to a whole new potential market."

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