Fierce Beer
Aberdeen brewery and pub chain founded by former oil workers.
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Fierce Beer Limited operates a brewery and pub chain from its base in Aberdeen, Scotland. The company was established in 2015 by Dave Grant and David McHardy, both of whom had previously worked in the oil industry. Production began in May 2016, and within two months, output had exceeded 20,000 litres.
In September 2017, Fierce announced plans to expand its brewing capacity after securing a £400,000 investment from Southern Cross Beverages, which acquired a 20% equity stake in the brewery. A bar on Rose Street in Edinburgh opened in May 2019, followed by a venue in Manchester's Northern Quarter in September 2020; the Manchester location closed in December 2024.
In 2022, Fierce partnered with celebrity chef Tony Singh to launch Indian Lager and Citrus Pale Ale. Singh noted a market opportunity for premium beers with an Indian twist that could be enjoyed on their own or alongside curries.
On 7 September 2024, the brewery collaborated with the Aberdeen Lynx ice hockey team to introduce Slapshot, a vegan and gluten-free pale lager. Later that September, Fierce released 1983 Aberdeen Lager and a non-alcoholic version in partnership with Aberdeen F.C., followed by Wasp Stout in October. These drinks were reintroduced in May 2025 to mark the team's progression to the 2025 Scottish Cup final.
Lore & Background
Fierce Beer was founded in 2015 in Dyce, Aberdeen by Dave Grant and David McHardy, both of whom previously worked in the oil industry. Production began in May 2016, and by July of that year the brewery had produced over 20,000 litres. In September 2017, the company announced plans to expand after a £400,000 investment from Southern Cross Beverages, which acquired a 20% equity stake in the brewery. The company opened a bar on Rose Street, Edinburgh in May 2019, and later expanded to Manchester's Northern Quarter in September 2020, though that location closed in December 2024.
In 2022, Fierce partnered with celebrity chef Tony Singh to launch Indian Lager and Citrus Pale Ale, described as filling a gap for premium beers with an Indian twist that complement curries. On 7 September 2024, the brewer collaborated with the Aberdeen Lynx ice hockey team to introduce Slapshot, a vegan and gluten-free pale lager. In September 2024, Fierce launched 1983 Aberdeen Lager and a non-alcoholic variant in association with Aberdeen F.C., followed by Wasp Stout in October; these were reintroduced in May 2025 to celebrate the team's progression to the 2025 Scottish Cup final.
Reader's Guide
Fierce Beer's significance lies in its rapid growth from a small start-up in Dyce to a brewery with multiple bars and notable partnerships. The founders' transition from the oil industry to brewing reflects a broader trend of career shifts in Scotland's craft beer scene. The investment from Southern Cross Beverages in 2017 provided capital for expansion, enabling the opening of bars in Edinburgh and Manchester. The brewery's collaborations with chef Tony Singh and local sports teams—Aberdeen Lynx and Aberdeen F.C.—demonstrate a strategy of aligning with regional identity and culinary trends.
The introduction of vegan and gluten-free options, such as Slapshot, and non-alcoholic variants, like the 1983 Aberdeen Lager NA, shows responsiveness to evolving consumer preferences. The closure of the Manchester bar in 2024 indicates the challenges of maintaining a presence outside Scotland. Overall, Fierce Beer has established itself as a notable player in Scottish brewing through strategic partnerships, product diversification, and a focus on local ties.
More in Breweries of Scotland, Wales and Ireland
Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Fierce Beer (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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