If you enjoy discovering independent breweries and trying beers with a Scottish identity, Cold Town Beer reviews can help you decide which brews are worth adding to your list. Based in Edinburgh, Scotland, Cold Town Beer has developed a varied range that includes lagers, IPAs, stouts, pale ales, and limited-edition experimental beers.
But is Cold Town Beer actually worth trying? Let’s take a closer look at its background, beer selection, taste, customer feedback, and overall reputation.
What Is Cold Town Beer?
Cold Town Beer is an Edinburgh-based Scottish brewery. The name comes from Calton Hill, which was historically known as “Caltoun” or “Cold Town.” The brewery connects its beers with Edinburgh’s long brewing tradition and focuses on producing beers in small batches.
One interesting part of its approach is that new beers can begin as small-batch brews. According to the brewery, beers that receive a positive response from drinkers may move from draught production into cans and wider distribution.
This approach gives Cold Town Beer a balance between familiar styles and experimental releases.
Cold Town Beer Reviews: What Do Drinkers Think?
Looking at Cold Town Beer reviews across beer-rating platforms gives a generally positive but varied picture.
Untappd lists Cold Town Beer as an Edinburgh microbrewery with more than 40,000 ratings across a large selection of beers. Its overall brewery rating is around 3.4 out of 5, although individual beers score differently depending on style and personal taste.
For example, the brewery’s NEIPA has an Untappd rating of around 3.5, while its pastry stout “Topic Thunder” has a higher rating of around 3.8. The original lager sits closer to the low-to-mid 3s.
These ratings suggest that Cold Town is not simply focused on one type of beer. Different drinkers may find different favorites within the range.
Popular Cold Town Beer Styles
Cold Town Lager
The Cold Town Lager is one of the brewery’s core offerings. It is a 4% lager described as crisp and refreshing, with a malty base and subtle citrus and elderflower notes.
This makes it a reasonable starting point for people who prefer lighter, approachable beers rather than intensely bitter or heavily flavored options.
New England IPA
For IPA fans, Cold Town’s New England IPA offers a very different experience. It is described as fruity, floral, citrus-forward, and smooth, with a 5.5% ABV and 45 IBU.
Its hazy, juicy character may appeal to drinkers who prefer modern IPA styles.
Experimental and Limited Releases
Cold Town also produces a LAB° range designed around experimental small-batch beers. These releases are deliberately limited and can include unusual styles and flavor combinations.
This is one of the brewery’s strongest attractions for beer enthusiasts who enjoy trying something different rather than drinking the same style repeatedly.
Awards and Reputation
Cold Town Beer has also received significant recognition. In 2025, its Barrel Aged Imperial Stout was named Beer of the Year – United Kingdom at the London Beer Competition. The stout was matured in Speyside whisky casks, highlighting the brewery’s interest in more complex beer styles.
The brewery has continued to receive recognition. At the 2025 Scottish Beer Awards, its Doddie Beir pilsner won gold, while its Crisp Craft Lager received silver.
These awards don’t mean every beer will suit every palate, but they do provide useful evidence that the brewery can produce competition-level beers.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Scottish brewery with an Edinburgh identity
- Wide range of beer styles
- Includes approachable lagers and more adventurous IPAs and stouts
- Small-batch experimental LAB° releases
- Strong recognition from beer competitions
- Available in cans and on draught in various locations
Cons
- Individual beer quality and appeal can vary by personal preference
- Some limited releases may be difficult to find
- Average community ratings are good rather than exceptional across the entire range
Who Should Try Cold Town Beer?
Cold Town Beer could be a good choice if you enjoy Scottish craft beer, want to explore different styles, or prefer breweries that regularly experiment with new releases.
Lager drinkers can start with the core lager, while IPA fans may prefer the New England IPA. Those looking for richer flavors could explore the brewery’s stouts and barrel-aged releases.
If you strongly prefer one traditional beer style and don’t enjoy experimentation, however, the wider Cold Town range may be less important to you.
Final Verdict: Are Cold Town Beer Reviews Positive?
Overall, Cold Town Beer reviews suggest that this Edinburgh brewery is worth exploring. Its range covers everything from refreshing lagers to hazy IPAs and ambitious barrel-aged stouts.
The brewery’s awards and substantial number of community ratings provide encouraging signs, while its small-batch LAB° releases make the brand particularly interesting for people who enjoy discovering new beers.
Rather than judging Cold Town Beer by a single bottle or can, it makes more sense to explore different styles and find the releases that match your personal taste. As with any craft brewery, individual preferences matter—but Cold Town has built a strong enough reputation to deserve a place on the list of Scottish breweries worth trying.
Note: Beer is an alcoholic beverage. Always follow the drinking-age and alcohol laws applicable in your location and drink responsibly.