Independent brewing and blending duo unveil citywide collaboration
A MODERN twist on a traditional Scottish serve is being poured across Edinburgh this festive season, as two of the city’s leading independent drinks producers announce a flavour-led collaboration.
Wemyss Family Spirits and Stewart Brewing have joined forces to launch a new partnership rooted in shared values of independence, craftsmanship and community.
To celebrate the launch, the two brands have revived the iconic half and half serve – a dram of whisky served with a half pint of beer – with curated pairings across a hand-picked selection of the capital’s most beloved pubs.
The initial rollout sees the Edinburgh-based firms partnership activate in 10 venues citywide, with plans already in place for further expansion into the New Year.
Wemyss Family Spirits was established by siblings Isabella and William Wemyss in 2005 and has since carved out a reputation for exceptional single malts and blended whiskies. Stewart Brewing, founded by Steve and Jo Stewart in 2004, has grown from a small operation in Loanhead into one of Scotland’s most recognisable craft breweries, while remaining fiercely independent.
Both businesses have proudly remained family-run, rooted in local communities and guided by a deep passion for quality and innovation.
William Wemyss, Co-Founder of Wemyss Family Spirits, said: “This partnership is about more than just great drinks – it’s about celebrating Edinburgh’s independent spirit and reviving a uniquely Scottish tradition in a way that fits modern tastes.
“The half and half is steeped in pub culture, traditionally served as a quarter gill measure of whisky alongside a half pint of beer. It’s about slowing down and savouring each sip – something worth championing, especially during the festive season.
“Both Wemyss Family Spirits and Stewart Brewing were built on strong family foundations, and that shared ethos shines through in everything from how we work to what we pour.
“Our half and half drinks pairings reflect the diversity of both our ranges and of the city’s venues.”
The new pairings are available now across 11 local venues:
- The Black Cat, Rose Street
- The Auld Hundred, Rose Street
- Whighams Wine Cellars, Hope Street
- The Cambridge Bar, Young Street
- The Abbotsford Bar & Restaurant, Rose Street
- The Ensign Ewart, Lawnmarket
- 56 North, West Crosscauseway
- Teuchters, William Street
- O’Connors, Broughton Road
- Athletic Arms (Diggers), Angle Park Terrace
- The Bow Bar, Victoria Street
A recommended combination includes Stewart Brewing’s 80/- ale alongside Wemyss’ Spice King blended malt. Another popular match sees the rich Edinburgh Black Stout paired with the smoky Peat Chimney.
Jo Stewart, Co-founder of Stewart Brewing, said: “Both our businesses have grown from the same foundations – family values and flavour-first products.
“By combining the flavour-pairings of Wemyss Family Spirits and Stewart Brewing, we’re giving Edinburgh’s clientele the opportunity to mix and match their favourite combinations while showcasing two of Scotland’s best-loved drinks.
“It’s a celebration of the city’s pubs and their staff, who play a huge role in making these pairings come to life.”
With the initiative already generating interest among customers and trade partners, Wemyss Family Spirits and Stewart Brewing are planning further activation for 2026, including tasting events, influencer campaigns and potential online product launches.
The duo hopes that this first wave of festive and New Year pairings will lay the foundation for a longer-term programme that celebrates independent businesses, sustainable practices and Scotland’s vibrant pub culture.