BrewDog

James Watt and Martin Dickie, both aged 24 when they started, launched the company from a small industrial unit in Fraserburgh using second-hand equipment, selling early batches at local markets. The two founders had met at school and later shared student digs at Edinburgh. By 2008, BrewDog had grown into Scotland's largest independent brewery. In 2009, it launched Equity for Punks, an initiative offering people the chance to buy shares in the company, which attracted around 220,000 investors.

The brewery relocated from Fraserburgh to Ellon, Aberdeenshire in 2012, opening a new facility there in January 2013. BrewDog went on to establish a brewing presence in Columbus, Ohio in 2015 and opened breweries in Berlin and Australia. The business operates around 50 bars across the UK and 24 international bars, including venues in Germany, Spain, America, Japan and Paris. In 2019, BrewDog opened an alcohol-free bar in Old Street, London.

BrewDog holds a 4% share of the UK grocery market by value and describes itself as the leading craft brewer in Europe. In 2026, its UK and Ireland operations were acquired by Tilray Brands for £33 million. Both founders have since left the business: James Watt stepped down as chief executive in May 2024 and Martin Dickie departed in August 2025.

The alcohol-free range includes hop-forward IPAs and crisp lagers, all at 0.0% ABV. The brand's first alcohol-free beer is brewed with magnesium, balm extract and chamomile. The AF lineup is available through the brand's bars, its website, and a broad retail footprint.