Uile-bheist Brewery in Inverness has appointed Charlotte Cook as its new Head Brewer. Cook takes over from Lukas Pretzer, who has returned to Germany to join brewing equipment specialist Kaspar Schulz.
Cook brings more than 15 years of experience to the role and will focus initially on developing Uile-bheist’s core beer range. She previously brewed with Trumans and Coalition in London, and earlier in her career worked with Cloudwater in Manchester and Põhjala in Estonia.
Speaking about her appointment, she said, “The market for our beer is very unique, with lots of tourists and consumers year-round. 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,” she said. “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.”
Originally from Scotland, Cook has family in Elgin and said she was ready to return after several years in London. “The view from my work before was an industrial estate in Croydon,” she said. “Now I see the River Ness daily.”
She described her brewing style as simple and quality-led. “I look at quality first. I don’t like to over-complicate the recipe but want the best ingredients and to make something that is drinkable, tasty and will make people want more.”
The brewery, which opened in February 2023, sits on the banks of the River Ness and uses shallow water wells and rooftop solar panels to help power its operations.
Uile-bheist Co-Owner Jon 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. We are a genuine craft brewery and working in partnership with other like-minded local breweries is attractive. We are also looking at expanding local markets.”
With the £47 million Inverness Castle Experience expected to open directly behind the brewery in 2026, Erasmus said the team is preparing for an increase in taproom and tour visitors.
“The opening of the Castle is going to bring a new vibrancy to the city. We want to be a part of that,” he said.