Schoolhouse Origins of Orkney Brewery Celebrated With New Beer

13 Mar 2013 --- The 5.5 per cent brew, made with malted rye and USA hops, takes its name from the date the Quoyloo School – now site of the Orkney Brewery – was opened.

A strong, full bodied auburn beer, 1878 is characterised by big fruit and spice hop flavours, which are balanced by a soft and sweet malt background.

The newest addition to the award winning Orkney Brewery range, 1878 will be available in cask and bottle. Its launch follows the recent release of Orkney Brewery’s 4.4 per cent Norseman Pale Ale, already proving hugely popular with drinkers.

Norman Sinclair, managing director of the Orkney Brewery’s parent company, Sinclair Breweries Ltd, said: “During its lifetime the Quoyloo School was an important part of the community in Sandwick and we’ve always been aware of the local history surrounding the buildings that are now part of the Orkney Brewery. Indeed, my late father was a pupil at Quoyloo, which makes the connection even stronger. We felt it was a fitting tribute to the school, and all those who attended it, to have a special beer brewed in its honour and we’re really delighted with the result.”

The Orkney Brewery’s new five-star visitor centre reflects the site’s former use, with class pictures and memorabilia from the old Quoyloo School displayed throughout the building. The visitor centre has also hosted a reunion of former pupils from the Quoyloo School, which closed in 1967.