A Castle Douglas brewery is raising a glass after being judged top of the hops at Scotland’s Business Awards.
Sulwath scooped the honour in the face of tough competition from beer makers across the country.
Owners Allan and Julie Henderson were presented with the “Best Brewery” award at a glittering ceremony at the DoubleTree by Hilton in central Glasgow.
The occasion, attended by 700 finalists and guests, had been postponed from 2020 because of coronavirus restrictions.
A delighted Allen, 52, singled out his dedicated team of five as the reason for Sulwath’s success.
He told the News: “We would be nowhere without these guys and we are so grateful to them.
“Everybody jumps on to all the different jobs at different times and just mucks in.
“The competition is getting tougher and tougher.
“Twenty-six years ago when we started up in 1996 there were 16 micro-breweries in Scotland.
“Now there are close to 500.”
He added: “To win was a complete surprise because even going up we did not know what to expect.
“We just got the invitation to attend.
“Ultimately, this award is for our fantastic staff and brilliant customers.
“The guys we have got here at the brewery – I can’t speak highly enough of them.
“Our customers have also shown just how much this brewery means to them, whether retail, wholesale, or private.
“You have kept us going throughout the past 26 years.
“Thank you all.”
The business competition, which comprises both regional and national awards, continues to grow and will soon be welcoming nominees for 2022.
