Punch Taverns has begun the quest for the perfect pint in its 400 plus pubs north of the border – with the launch of the new ‘Great Pint of Scotland’ award – supported by brewers Coors, InBev and Caledonian.  

The finest in each of Punch’s regions of Scotland, nine pubs in total, will be selected as serving exceptional beer – and the first regional winner has already been announced – The Pandora in Glasgow. 

Commenting on his award Pandora licensee Didier Monney said: “I am really pleased to receive this award. At the Pandora we always strive to maintain the highest standards of beer quality, and thanks go to my cellar man Derek Torrens, it is great to receive recognition for our efforts. I will be displaying the plaque and certificate with pride.” 

The new award is open to all categories of beer: lager, bitter, stout or cask conditioned ale. Assessors will look at all aspects of beer quality including temperature, clarity, taste and presentation such as use of the appropriate branded glassware. 

The nine winning pubs will be named as regional winners, receiving a plaque to display and 36 gallons of lager. 

The overall winner, selected from the regional winners, will be awarded the ‘Great Pint of Scotland’ title and invited to attend the Punch Taverns ‘Beer is Best’ conference in Brussels later this year. 

Kiernan Lynch, retail standards operations manager of Punch Taverns who is leading the initiative said: “Good beer makes good business sense. Our research shows that 72% of pub goers rate product quality as the most important factor when choosing a pub. This award is designed to raise the already high standards in our pubs across Scotland and give pub goers an even better experience when they visit their local.” 

Paul Ralston commenting for brewers Coors, InBev and Caledonian said: “We are extremely pleased to be involved with this new award to ensure that all our beers are served in tip top condition for customers to enjoy in their favourite pub. Such an award can only serve to improve quality and enhance the Scottish pub going experience.”