Uile-bheist Brewery in Inverness appoints new head brewer
Charlotte Cook, who began her career at Brewdog, replaces former head brewer Lukas Pretzer, who has returned to Germany to join Kaspar Schulz
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Uile-bheist Brewery in Inverness has announced the appointment of Charlotte Cook as its new head brewer, as it aims to expand the site’s profile as a destination for visitors and local drinkers.
Cook, who began her career at Brewdog, replaces former head brewer Lukas Pretzer, who has returned to Germany to join Kaspar Schulz. She will initially focus on the brewery’s core range at the £7.5m distillery and brewery, which opened in February 2023.
A Masters brewing graduate from Nottingham University, Cook has spent recent years with independent London breweries Trumans and Coalition. Her earlier experience includes roles at Cloudwater Brew Co. in Manchester and Põhjala in Estonia, the latter now exporting to 30 countries.
She has returned to Scotland after several years in London and said the location on the banks of the River Ness was a further draw.
Cook said: “I’d really like to see Uile-bheist become a destination for beer lovers – a place where they can experience something individual and for locals to come any time and enjoy our products.
“The role appealed to me in terms of how well the overall brewery is constructed to high specification and also the sustainability side of the operation. Moving to a new brewery and adapting to the philosophy, and mutually adapting, is always a challenge but I think we’ll make great beer that people will want to enjoy.”
Cook described her brewing style as focused on quality and simplicity, aiming to produce “drinkable” and “tasty” beers using the best ingredients available.
According to Uile-bheist co-owner Jon Erasmus, Cook’s appointment would support the brewery and taproom as they look to build on their existing base, with collaboration and seasonal beers among areas for development.
Erasmus said: “Charlotte brings a wealth of experience in the UK brewing scene and we are excited to see how she develops our existing range but also to hear her ideas for seasonal beers and collaborations, which we have really enjoyed.”
The brewery expects to benefit from rising visitor numbers once the £47m Inverness Castle Experience opens behind the site, an attraction projected to draw up to 400,000 people a year.
