Aldi Scotland has crowned the winner of its hunt to find the country’s biggest beer lover, with an East Kilbride local who built his very own pub taking the top prize.
The retailer’s competition was launched this year to celebrate one of its busiest sales periods for craft beers, with the retailer featuring a range of Scottish microbreweries, including Williams Bros, Fierce Beer and Loch Lomond Brewery.
The winner, Iain Mason, lives miles from his nearest watering hole so decided to convert part of his garage into a cosy bar in 2023. Built single-handedly over four months, his ‘pub’ nicknamed ‘Stoaters’, now stocks a wide range of beers, with lots of guest ales regularly on draught, including Iain’s favourites from Fierce Beer and Loch Lomond, both stocked at Aldi.
Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “We’d like to raise a glass to Iain on being crowned the nation’s biggest beer lover – a well-deserved title for someone so clearly passionate about great brews.
“We share that same passion at Aldi Scotland and are proud to support so many of Scotland’s microbreweries by bringing their craft creations to shelves across the country. From bold new IPAs to time-honoured traditional ales, we’re committed to showcasing the very best of Scotland’s brewing talent for enthusiasts like Iain and for beer lovers everywhere.”
Mason’s pub spans 13m² and opened on Christmas Day 2023. He had kept his project secret even from his wife and a gathering of her and ten friends and family were for its grand opening.
Stoaters has since become a hub for Iain’s friends and family, hosting karaoke nights, sporting events and even Hogmanay celebrations. Guests must follow two house rules: bring a foreign banknote or business card to pin to the ceiling and take a turn serving behind the bar.
Mason commented: “I’m chuffed to have been named Scotland’s biggest beer lover and to win such a generous prize from Aldi. I built Stoaters to enjoy a pint with friends and family without the long trek to the nearest pub. It’s been a real labour of love and I’m very happy that the judges saw the efforts that went into every detail.”
Mason’s prize is a 12-month supply of Aldi Scotland’s craft beer range, adding to his already impressive collection.
