{{Short description|Multinational brewery}} {{Use British English|date=June 2013}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}} {{Infobox company | name = BrewDog plc | logo = File:Brewdog logo 2022.png | logo_size = 200px | hq_location_city = {{nowrap|[[Ellon, Aberdeenshire]], Scotland}} | owner = | founders = {{Unbulleted list|[[James Watt (entrepreneur)|James Watt]]|Martin Dickie}} | key_people = {{Unbulleted list|Lauren Carrol ([[Chief operating officer|COO]])|James Taylor ([[CEO]])}} | founded = {{Start date|2007}} | type = [[Public limited company]] | ISIN = GB00BDD97812 | production = {{convert|1006084|hL|usbeerbbl|lk=on}} (2023)<ref name=Accounts2023p5>{{cite book | title=Annual Report & Accounts for the Year Ending 2023 | publisher=BrewDog plc| date=20 Nov 2024 | page=5}}</ref> | area_served = Worldwide | industry = [[Drinks industry]] | revenue = {{increase}} £280 million (2024)<ref name=results25/> | operating_income = {{increase}} £7.5 million (2024)<ref name=results25/> | net_income = | num_employees = 2,400 | num_employees_year = | parent = [[Tilray]] | website = {{Official URL}} }} '''BrewDog''' is a [[Multinational corporation|multinational]] [[brewery]] and [[pub chain]] based in [[Ellon, Aberdeenshire]], Scotland. With production of over 100 million litres (200 million pints),<ref name=Accounts2020p52>{{cite book | title=Annual Report & Accounts for the Year Ending 2020 | publisher=BrewDog plc| date=14 May 2021 | page=52}}</ref> BrewDog is the seventh-largest beer brand in Britain, and claims to be the "#1 Craft Brewer in Europe".<ref name="wattguardian1">{{cite news |last1=Davies |first1=Rob |title=Little remains of Brewdog's 'punk' ethos as co-founder steps down |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/may/08/little-remains-of-brewdogs-punk-ethos-as-co-founder-james-watt-steps-down |access-date=8 May 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=8 May 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite book | title=Annual Report & Accounts for the Year Ending 2020 | publisher=BrewDog plc| date=14 May 2021 | page=3}}</ref> As of 2023, the brand was available in 57 countries, with beers sold in over 129 bars and widely distributed internationally.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.thecaterer.com/news/brewdog-makes-new-appointments-as-ceo-steps-down| title=BrewDog names James Taylor as its new chief executive| newspaper=The Caterer| accessdate=2025-07-04}}</ref>
BrewDog, founded in 2007 by [[James Watt (entrepreneur)|James Watt]] and Martin Dickie, opted not to invest in traditional advertising such as billboards or newspaper placements. Instead, the company employed a strategy centred on generating free media coverage through deliberately provocative campaigns, controversies, and publicity stunts.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/interviews/james-watt-and-martin-dickie-brewdogs-kings-of-controversy/519193.article| title=James Watt and Martin Dickie: BrewDog's kings of controversy| newspaper=The Grocer| accessdate=2025-07-04}}</ref><ref name="businessInsider">{{Cite web | url=https://www.insider.co.uk/news/history-stunts-brewdogs-wackiest-publicity-25997774| title=A history in stunts: BrewDog's wackiest publicity campaigns| newspaper=businessInsider| date= 2022-01-21| accessdate=2025-07-04}}</ref> The company's UK and Ireland operations were acquired by the American company, [[Tilray]], in March 2026.<ref name=guardian26/>
== History == [[File:Brewdog-hardcore-ipa (cropped).jpg|thumb|220px|BrewDog's Hardcore [[India Pale Ale|IPA]]]] [[File:BrewDog - First of the Few (cropped).jpg|thumb|The first BrewDog pub located in Gallowgate, Aberdeen, pictured in April 2025]] BrewDog was founded in [[Fraserburgh]], Scotland, in 2007 by James Watt and Martin Dickie.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-36500470|title=BrewDog founders collar MBE honours|date=2016-06-10|access-date=2020-01-17|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805213503/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-36500470|archive-date=5 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Dickie had previously worked at [[Thornbridge Brewery]], where he helped develop their flagship beer, Jaipur.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Henley |first1=Jon |title=The aggressive, outrageous, infuriating (and ingenious) rise of BrewDog {{!}} Jon Henley |url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/mar/24/the-aggressive-outrageous-infuriating-and-ingenious-rise-of-brewdog |access-date=21 June 2022 |work=the Guardian |date=24 March 2016 |language=en}}</ref> In 2009, BrewDog purchased its first bar, in nearby [[Aberdeen]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2009/10/28/BrewDog-buys-first-pub|title=BrewDog buys first pub|last=Turney|first=Ewan|date=28 October 2009|website=The Morning Advertiser|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-01-17}}</ref> At the end of 2018, the company and its franchisees operated 78 bars worldwide.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2018/11/22/BrewDog-opens-bar-at-Edinburgh-airport|title=BrewDog opens bar at Edinburgh airport|last=Hawkins|first=Emily|date=22 November 2018|website=The Morning Advertiser|access-date=8 February 2019}}</ref>
In 2011, BrewDog, along with other industry stakeholders,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://beertoday.co.uk/?p=861 |title=Schooner or later it had to happen… |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812074945/http://beertoday.co.uk/?p=861 |archive-date=12 August 2011 |access-date=4 January 2011 |website=Beer Today}}</ref> participated in a campaign advocating for the allowance of new beer measures in Britain.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2011/jan/05/alcohol-measures-pubs-schooner-jigger |title=A schooner of lager? Or how about a jigger of whisky? |first=Laura |last=Barnett |date=5 January 2011 |access-date=17 December 2016 |newspaper=The Guardian |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927191041/https://www.theguardian.com/society/2011/jan/05/alcohol-measures-pubs-schooner-jigger |archive-date=27 September 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> 2011 also saw the company offered [[crowdfunding]] shares totalling £2 million, the equivalent of 8% of the capital of the company. The shares were sold at £23.75 and accompanied several benefits such as discounts in its bars and online purchase of its beers.<ref>{{Cite news|title = Crowdfunding draws angel investors|url = https://www.ft.com/content/7589c188-e4c0-11e2-a74d-00144feabdc0|newspaper = Financial Times|date = 2013-08-07|access-date = 2016-01-28|issn = 0307-1766|first = Jonathan|last = Moules|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131014032424/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/7589c188-e4c0-11e2-a74d-00144feabdc0.html|archive-date = 14 October 2013|url-status = live}}</ref>
The main brewing moved from Fraserburgh to nearby [[Ellon, Aberdeenshire|Ellon]] in 2012. In 2014, the company ended operations in Fraserburgh.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fraserburghherald.co.uk/business/brewdog-close-fraserburgh-operation-1-3365497|title=BrewDog close Fraserburgh operation|website=Fraserburghherald.co.uk|language=en|access-date=2020-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302190328/https://www.fraserburghherald.co.uk/business/brewdog-close-fraserburgh-operation-1-3365497|archive-date=2 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2013, BrewDog opened its new {{convert|5+1/2|acre|ha|adj=on|abbr=off}} brewery at a cost of £7.8 million just outside of Ellon.<ref name="Herald">{{cite web|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/business_hq/13090040.brewdog-goes-global-bar-empire-expands/| title=BrewDog goes global as bar empire expands | date=29 January 2013 |publisher=The Herald |access-date=1 October 2021}}</ref> The brewery was designed to minimise carbon emissions with the use of treatment plants, [[Biogas]] technology and since 2021, an anaerobic digestion plant.<ref name="Renewable">{{cite web|url=https://www.renewableenergymagazine.com/biogas/brewdog-selects-dmt-biogas-for-brewery-in-20210505| title=BrewDog Selects DMT Biogas for Brewery in Scotland | date=5 May 2021 |publisher=Renewable Energy Magazine |access-date=1 October 2021}}</ref><ref name="Construction">{{cite web|url=https://scottishconstructionnow.com/article/brewdog-makes-moves-to-make-ellon-hq-carbon-neutral| title=BrewDog makes moves to make Ellon HQ carbon neutral | date=17 August 2020 |publisher=Scottish Construction Now |access-date=1 October 2021}}</ref> The effectiveness and overall impact of these measures have been a topic of industry discussion.<ref>{{Cite web |title= Why BrewDog is winding down its ‘carbon negative’ claim |date=18 July 2024 |url=https://www.beveragedaily.com/Article/2024/07/18/why-brewdog-is-winding-down-its-carbon-negative-claim/ |publisher=Beverage Daily}}</ref> In March 2015, BrewDog was awarded £1.5m in Regional Selective Assistance,<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=2015-03-09 |title=BrewDog to create 130 new jobs |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-31790775 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306125220/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-31790775 |archive-date=6 March 2016 |access-date=2020-03-02 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> a government grant available to businesses investing in job creation and economic development.
In 2016, the Ellon distillery was expanded at a cost of £5 million including the addition of a new 300 hectolitre (7,000 gallon) brew house.<ref name="Insider">{{cite web |url=https://www.insider.co.uk/news/brewdog-expand-ellon-brewing-facility-9867559 |title=Brewdog to expand Ellon brewing facility to meet demand |date=30 October 2014 |publisher=Insider |access-date=1 October 2021}}</ref><ref name="BBC">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-32217459 |title=Paisley firm Barr Construction wins BrewDog expansion contract |date=8 April 2015 |publisher=[[BBC News]] |access-date=1 October 2021}}</ref> BrewDog [[Open source movement|open-sourced]] its beer recipes to the public, making them a form of [[Free Beer]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sbnn.co.uk/2016/02/25/brewdog-open-sources-its-beer-recipes|title=BrewDog "open-sources" its beer recipes|date=25 February 2016|website=Scottish Business News Network|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207194112/https://sbnn.co.uk/2016/02/25/brewdog-open-sources-its-beer-recipes/|archive-date=7 December 2017|access-date=9 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/feb/29/brewdogs-open-source-revolution-is-at-the-vanguard-of-postcapitalism|title=BrewDog's open-source revolution is at the vanguard of postcapitalism| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160726184754/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/feb/29/brewdogs-open-source-revolution-is-at-the-vanguard-of-postcapitalism |archive-date=26 July 2016 |first=Paul|last=Mason|work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=29 February 2016}}</ref> The decision also served as a marketing initiative to engage homebrewers and increase brand visibility.
In 2017, private equity firm [[TSG Consumer Partners]] acquired a 22% stake in the company for approximately £213 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-39544442|title=Beer firm BrewDog toasts US investment|date=9 April 2017|publisher=BBC|access-date=20 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203224205/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-39544442|archive-date=3 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, BrewDog announced its plan to build a $30 million brewery and tap room on an {{convert|11000|m2}} greenfield site in the Metroplex complex at [[Murarrie, Queensland|Murarrie]], in [[Brisbane]], Australia.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.brewdog.com/ |title=Brewdog |website=Brewdog.com |access-date=8 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190208122438/https://www.brewdog.com/ |archive-date=8 February 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2019, the company announced a new distillery in the United States<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/emilyprice/2019/11/14/brewdog-usa-plans-for-a-new-distillery-and-west-coast-operations/ |title=BrewDog USA Plans For a New Distillery and West Coast Operations |last=Price |first=Emily |website=Forbes |language=en |access-date=2020-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302190326/https://www.forbes.com/sites/emilyprice/2019/11/14/brewdog-usa-plans-for-a-new-distillery-and-west-coast-operations/ |archive-date=2 March 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> and opened its first bar in Ireland, at the [[Capital Dock]] development in the upmarket [[Grand Canal Dock]] area of [[Dublin]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.irishmirror.ie/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/brewdog-set-open-first-irish-21072623|title=Brewdog|website=Irishmirror.ie|access-date=12 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211155021/https://www.irishmirror.ie/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/brewdog-set-open-first-irish-21072623|archive-date=11 December 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 6 January 2020, BrewDog opened BrewDog AF, an [[alcohol-free bar]] on [[Old Street]] in [[Shoreditch]], London.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.insidehook.com/daily_brief/restaurants-bars/brewdog-alcohol-free-bar|title=BrewDog Opens Its First Alcohol-Free Bar|website=InsideHook|date=3 January 2020 |language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302190326/https://www.insidehook.com/daily_brief/restaurants-bars/brewdog-alcohol-free-bar|archive-date=2 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.timeout.com/london/news/the-worlds-first-alcohol-free-beer-bar-is-launching-in-london-010220 |title=The world's first alcohol-free beer bar is launching in London |last=Richards |first=Laura |date=2 January 2020 |access-date=10 August 2025 |magazine=Time Out}}</ref> It closed in 2022,<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://news.sky.com/story/brewdog-to-close-six-pubs-due-to-spiralling-costs-and-no-prospect-of-help-from-clueless-government-12686261 |title=BrewDog to close six pubs due to spiralling costs and 'no prospect of help from clueless government' |last=Marris |first=Sharon |date=31 August 2022 |access-date=10 August 2025 |work=Sky News}}</ref> by which point it had abandoned the alcohol-free concept.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.brewdog.com/uk/bars/uk/old-street |title=Welcome to BrewDog Old Street |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411035853/https://www.brewdog.com/uk/bars/uk/old-street |archive-date=11 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/aug/05/uk-alcohol-free-bars-struggle-to-survive-closures |title=Sobering times for UK alcohol-free bars as many struggle to survive |last=Hall |first=Rachel |date=5 August 2024 |access-date=10 August 2025 |work=The Guardian}}</ref>
In 2021, BrewDog launched a new visual identity.<ref>{{Cite web |website=Made Thought |title=Brewdog - Rebrand, Creative Strategy & Visual Identity |url=https://www.madethought.com/work/redefining-brewdog |access-date=2022-03-10 }}</ref> In 2022, they expanded their Australian operations, opening another bar in [[Fortitude Valley, Queensland|Fortitude Valley]], Brisbane.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-11 |title=BrewDog opens Fortitude Valley bar |url=https://brewsnews.com.au/brewdog-opens-fortitude-valley-bar/ |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=Brews News |language=en-AU}}</ref> Further bars followed in [[South Eveleigh]] in Sydney,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-02 |title=Massive new Sydney brewpub, BrewDog, opens in converted South Eveleigh workshop |url=https://www.smh.com.au/goodfood/eating-out/massive-new-brewpub-brewdog-opens-in-converted-south-eveleigh-locomotive-workshop-20221201-h28cjl.html |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=Good Food |language=en}}</ref> [[Coburg, Victoria|Coburg]] in Melbourne<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-28 |title=BrewDog Pentridge opens |url=https://brewsnews.com.au/brewdog-pentridge-opens/ |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=Brews News |language=en-AU}}</ref> and [[Perth]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-12 |title=SEE INSIDE: Trendy new pub opening in ideal Perth location |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/lifestyle/food/scottish-beer-pioneers-brewdogs-first-perth-venue-set-to-open-soon-c-13195599 |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=PerthNow |language=en}}</ref> In December 2022, BrewDog auctioned the first 50 casks of its single malt and single grain whiskies.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kiely |first=Melita |date=2022-12-02 |title=Brewdog Distilling to auction 50 whisky casks |url=https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2022/12/brewdog-distilling-to-auction-50-whisky-casks/ |access-date=2025-02-20 |website=The Spirits Business |language=en-US}}</ref>
In February 2023, BrewDog launched a partnership with Budweiser China and the expansion to that country's market.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-64700857 | title=Brewdog: UK craft beer giant expands into China | date=20 February 2023 | publisher=BBC News |access-date=20 February 2023}}</ref>
In May 2024, [[James Watt (entrepreneur)|James Watt]] stepped down as Chief Executive Officer of BrewDog after 17 years in the role. He transitioned to a newly created non-executive position entitled "Captain and Co-Founder", remaining involved in the company's strategic direction while retaining his equity stake.<ref name="wattguardian1"/><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/may/08/brewdog-james-watt-step-down-as-chief-executive-beer-company?utm_source=chatgpt.com| title=BrewDog’s James Watt to step down as chief executive of beer company| newspaper=the Guardian| date= 2024-05-08| accessdate=2025-07-04 }}</ref>{{AI-retrieved source|date=March 2026|checked=yes}} He was succeeded by chief operating officer James Arrow.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.insider.co.uk/news/brewdog-boss-james-watt-stepping-32760794| title=BrewDog boss James Watt stepping down after 17 years| newspaper=businessInsider| date= 2024-05-08| accessdate=2025-07-04}}</ref>
In March 2025, BrewDog announced the appointment of James Taylor as [[Chief Executive Officer]] and Lauren Carrol as [[Chief Operating Officer]], following the departure of James Arrow, who stepped down for personal reasons. The leadership changes took effect immediately.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/03/brewdog-appoints-new-ceo-and-coo-in-leadership-reshuffle/| title=BrewDog appoints new CEO and COO in leadership reshuffle| newspaper=The Drinks Business| date= 2025-03-11| accessdate=2025-07-04}}</ref>
In June 2025, BrewDog reported a return to profitability for the first time since 2021, with adjusted earnings before tax of £7.5 million. For the year ending 31 December 2024, the company recorded gross revenues of £357 million and net revenues of £280 million.<ref name=results25>{{Cite web | url=https://www.insider.co.uk/company-results-forecasts/brewdog-returns-to-profitability-35447639| title=BrewDog returns to profitability| newspaper=businessInsider| date= 2025-06-25| accessdate=2025-07-04}}</ref>
On 22 July 2025, BrewDog announced that it would close 10 locations in the UK, including its original branch in Aberdeen, on the following Saturday, 4 days later. The company described the closures as part of a strategy to "redefine the bar division's focus for long-term and profitable growth" in light of regulatory and financial issues affecting the [[Hospitality industry in the United Kingdom|hospitality industry]]. The [[trade union]] [[Unite the Union|Unite]] called the short [[notice period]]s "morally repugnant" and "potentially unlawful".<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgmw0mmxpjlo |title=Brewdog to close 10 pubs across UK, some 'within days' |date=22 July 2025 |access-date=30 July 2025 |work=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jul/22/brewdog-to-close-10-bars-amid-extremely-difficult-time-for-hospitality-industry |title=BrewDog to close 10 bars amid 'extremely difficult' time for hospitality industry |last=Almeida |first=Lauren |date=22 July 2025 |access-date=30 July 2025 |work=The Guardian}}</ref>
In January 2026, the BrewDog distillery in Ellon was closed with the company ceasing production of all spirits.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=The Press & Journal|url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/business/local/6942538/brewdog-distilling-business-closure-ellon/|title=Loss-making BrewDog to close Aberdeenshire distillery|date=27 January 2026|first=Kelly|last=Wilson|access-date=28 January 2026|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128202508/https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/business/local/6942538/brewdog-distilling-business-closure-ellon/|archive-date=28 January 2026}}</ref>
On 2 March 2026, the company's UK and Ireland operations were acquired by the American [[pharmaceutical]], [[cannabis]] and consumer packaged goods company, [[Tilray]], for £33 million, as part of a [[Pre-packaged insolvency#United Kingdom|pre-pack administration]] deal. As part of the deal it was announced that 38 bars would close with the loss of nearly 500 jobs.<ref name="guardian26">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/mar/02/brewdog-us-cannabis-drinks-500-jobs |title=BrewDog bought by US cannabis and drinks firm for £33m, costing nearly 500 jobs|date=2 March 2026|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=18 March 2026|last=Davies|first=Rob}}</ref> Brewdog founder, James Watt, commented on the deal stating he was "heartbroken".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Armstrong |first=Felix |date=2026-03-04 |title=Brewdog: James Watt 'heartbroken' as craft beer firm sold |url=https://www.cityam.com/brewdog-james-watt-heartbroken-as-craft-beer-firm-sold/ |access-date=2026-03-04 |website=City AM |language=en-GB}}</ref>
British food think tank the Food Policy Institute subsequently warned of the potential impacts the BrewDog sale might have on craft beer investing in the UK.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-04 |title=Once valued at £1bn, what the £33m BrewDog sale means for investing |url=https://www.foodpolicy.uk/news/once-valued-ps1bn-what-ps33m-brewdog-sale-means-investing |access-date=2026-03-05 |website=Food Policy Institute|language=en-GB}}</ref>
== Marketing campaigns == [[File:Brewdog bar in Camden.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|BrewDog bar in [[London Borough of Camden|Camden]]]]
In 2008, BrewDog was accused of aggressive marketing by UK drinks industry watchdog the [[Portman Group]] and risked having its products withdrawn from British shops.<ref>{{cite news |last=Crighton |first=Ryan |date=14 November 2008 |title=BrewDog battles to survive label mauling by watchdog |url=http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/939706?UserKey= |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306040129/http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/939706?UserKey= |archive-date=6 March 2012 |access-date=10 May 2012 |work=Press and Journal}}</ref> BrewDog denied these allegations.<ref>{{cite news |title=BrewDog calls for Portman to be scrapped |url=http://www.thedrum.co.uk/news/2008/11/16/8957-brewdog-calls-for-the-portman-group-to-be-scrapped |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807200059/http://www.thedrum.co.uk/news/2008/11/16/8957-brewdog-calls-for-the-portman-group-to-be-scrapped |archive-date=7 August 2011 |access-date=10 May 2012 |work=The Drum}}</ref> In December 2008, BrewDog was cleared of all breaches of Portman's code of practice and permitted to continue marketing its products without making any changes to the packaging.<ref>{{cite web |title=BrewDog brands given all clear |url=http://www.thepublican.com/story.asp?sectioncode=7&storycode=62266 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724020437/http://www.thepublican.com/story.asp?sectioncode=7&storycode=62266 |archive-date=24 July 2011 |access-date=10 May 2012 |work=The Publican}}</ref> BrewDog launched a beer named Speedball in 2009, referencing a [[Speedball (drug)|drug cocktail]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Sweney |first=Mark |date=20 January 2009 |title=Speedball beer banned |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/jan/20/speedball-beer-banned |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927193939/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/jan/20/speedball-beer-banned |archive-date=27 September 2016 |access-date=17 December 2016 |newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref> which was then renamed Dogma after being banned.<ref>{{cite web |last=Eley |first=Matt |date=20 January 2009 |title=Brewer in dog house for glamorising drugs |url=https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2009/01/20/Brewer-in-dog-house-for-glamorising-drugs?sectioncode=7&storycode=62503 |access-date=17 December 2016 |website=The Morning Advertiser}}</ref>
In 2014, Portman claimed BrewDog was in breach of Portman's [[Ethical code#Code of practice (professional ethics)|Code of Practice]] "for encouraging both anti-social behaviour and rapid drinking" through the labelling of the Dead Pony Club IPA, which it claimed placed "undue emphasis on the strength and intoxicating effect of the alcohol in the product".<ref>{{cite web |title=Dead Pony Club ale breaches alcohol marketing Code |url=http://www.portmangroup.org.uk/media/news-details/2014/04/28/dead-pony-club-ale-breaches-alcohol-marketing-code |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209180238/http://www.portmangroup.org.uk/media/news-details/2014/04/28/dead-pony-club-ale-breaches-alcohol-marketing-code |archive-date=9 February 2019 |access-date=8 February 2019 |publisher=Portman Group}}</ref>
In September 2015, BrewDog was criticized for mocking homeless people, trans women and sex workers,<ref>{{cite web |title=Petition launched urging BrewDog to pull 'offensive' campaign |url=https://www.prweek.com/article/1363498/petition-launched-urging-brewdog-pull-offensive-campaign |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170610115406/http://www.prweek.com/article/1363498/petition-launched-urging-brewdog-pull-offensive-campaign |archive-date=2017-06-10 |access-date=26 January 2024 |website=PR Week |publisher=Haymarket Media Group |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-09-07 |title=This 'Transphobic' BrewDog Beer Advert Sparks Petition Calling For Removal |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/09/07/brewdog-8000-people-sign-petition-to-remove-craft-beer-companys-transphobic-advert-_n_8098726.html |access-date=2022-07-06 |website=HuffPost UK |language=en}}</ref> leading the company to launch a "non-binary, transgender beer".<ref>{{cite web |title=No Label – The World's First Non–Binary, Transgender Beer |url=https://www.brewdog.com/blog/no-label |access-date=26 January 2024 |publisher=BrewDog |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=4 November 2015 |title=The big problem with BrewDog's 'transgender beer' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/brewdog-s-transgender-beer-undermines-the-diversity-of-the-trans-movement-stonewall-says-a6721076.html |access-date=26 January 2024 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref>
In March 2018, BrewDog produced Pink IPA, a limited edition bottling of Punk IPA.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-06 |title=Backlash over Brewdog's 'satirical' Pink IPA launch ahead of International Women's Day |url=https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2018/03/backlash-over-brewdogs-satirical-pink-ipa-launch-ahead-of-international-womens-day/ |access-date=2021-06-10 |website=The Drinks Business |language=en-US}}</ref> The beer breached Portman's Code of Conduct, upholding that the phrase "Beer for Girls" used on the packaging was likely to appeal to under-18s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pink IPA |url=https://www.portmangroup.org.uk/pink-ipa/ |access-date=2021-06-10 |publisher=Portman Group}}</ref> BrewDog ignored Portman's remark.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-07-10 |title=Brewdog 'not at all bothered' by Portman ruling over Pink IPA complaint |url=https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2018/07/brewdog-not-at-all-bothered-by-portman-ruling-over-pink-ipa-complaint/ |access-date=2021-06-10 |website=The Drinks Business |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2020, BrewDog CEO Watt admitted that Pink IPA was a mistake.<ref>{{cite web |author=James Watt |date=26 November 2020 |title=My 10 Biggest Mistakes As BrewDog's CEO |url=https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/my-10-biggest-mistakes-brewdogs-ceo-james-watt |access-date=10 June 2021 |work=[[LinkedIn]]}}</ref>
[[File:Dublin - BrewDog Outpost Dublin.jpg|thumb|BrewDog Outpost Dublin]]
In June 2021, BrewDog came under investigation by the [[Advertising Standards Authority (United Kingdom)|Advertising Standards Authority]] (ASA) concerning the company's claim in three of 50 promotional tweets that ten [[24 carat]] solid gold beer cans, randomly hidden in cases of beer, were worth £15,000. Some winners had their cans independently valued, uncovering that their cans were not solid gold as advertised in those tweets and were indeed gold-plated brass, valued at the lower price of £500.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-06-29 |title=Brewdog: Watchdog urged to probe solid gold can prize claim |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-57650685 |access-date=2021-07-07 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-06-28 |title=Winner of BrewDog's 'solid gold' beer can finds prize is made largely of brass |url=http://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/jun/28/winner-of-brewdogs-solid-gold-beer-can-finds-prize-is-made-mostly-of-brass |access-date=2021-07-07 |website=The Guardian |language=en}}</ref> Watt contacted the 50 winners to offer a full cash amount, subsequently buying 40 of the cans out of his own money at a cost of £470,000.<ref>{{cite web |date=9 January 2023 |title=BrewDog boss pays almost £500k to unhappy 'solid gold' beer can winners |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/jan/09/brewdog-boss-pays-almost-500k-unhappy-solid-gold-beer-can-winners |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=The Guardian}}</ref>
In July 2021, a BrewDog advert was banned by the ASA for "misleading claims". An [[Instagram]] post for its Clean & Press Hard Seltzer stated, "Due to advertising regulations we cannot claim this drink is healthy", but continued with a reference to a low calorie claim. The ASA challenged the nutritional benefits of the drink claimed in the advert.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-07-06 |title=Brewdog Instagram ad banned for misleading health claims |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-57732529 |access-date=2021-07-07 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>
In November 2022, BrewDog announced an "anti-sponsorship" of the [[2022 FIFA World Cup]], [[2022 FIFA World Cup controversies|criticising Qatar]] for [[Human rights in Qatar|their mistreatment of migrant workers and criminalisation of homosexuality]]. The company also stated that profits raised from the sale of Lost Lager during the duration of the tournament would be donated to help fight human rights abuses. The [[Unite the Union|Unite]] union accused BrewDog of hypocrisy, highlighting the company's own controversies regarding its treatment of employees. It was also pointed out by multiple news outlets that despite this stance, BrewDog still showed the event in their bars and that their beer was still being sold in Qatar.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BrewDog signed beer distribution deal in Qatar despite 'anti-sponsorship' campaign |url=https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/brewdog-signed-beer-distribution-deal-in-qatar-despite-e2-80-98anti-sponsorship-e2-80-99-campaign/ar-AA13SdYl |access-date=2022-11-18 |website=MSN |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=8 November 2022 |title=Brewdog accused of hypocrisy over 'anti-sponsorship' of World Cup |url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/brewdog-accused-hypocrisy-over-qatar-world-cup-anti-sponorship-campaign-145612946.html |access-date=2022-11-18 |website=Yahoo! News |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2022-11-08 |title=BrewDog beer on sale in Qatar despite brewer's anti-World Cup protest campaign |url=https://www.just-drinks.com/news/brewdog-beer-on-sale-in-qatar-despite-craft-brewers-anti-world-cup-protest-campaign/ |access-date=2022-11-18 |website=Just Drinks |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Strongest beer claims == BrewDog has produced progressively stronger beers and has claimed to have made the 'strongest beer ever brewed' more than once. In 2009, its Tokyo* brew, with 18.2% [[alcohol by volume]] (ABV), caused controversy when Portman criticised the availability of a beer of that strength in 330 ml bottles with traditional crown caps. BrewDog also launched a beer called Tactical Nuclear Penguin, with 32% ABV, which was claimed to be the strongest beer ever made.<ref>{{cite news |title='World's strongest' beer with 32% strength launched |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/north_east/8380412.stm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091127051956/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/north_east/8380412.stm |archive-date=27 November 2009 |access-date=26 November 2009 |work=[[BBC News]]}}</ref>
In 2010, BrewDog announced Sink The Bismarck, an apparent 41% ABV.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sterling |first=Colin |date=16 February 2010 |title=Sink the Bismarck!: Brewery Releases World's Strongest Beer at 41% ABV |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/16/worlds-strongest-beer-sco_n_463975.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100218123148/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/16/worlds-strongest-beer-sco_n_463975.html |archive-date=18 February 2010 |access-date=18 August 2010 |work=[[The Huffington Post]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blxE8SEkqwM |title=Sink the Bismarck! by BrewDog |date=16 February 2010 |access-date=10 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116210443/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blxE8SEkqwM |archive-date=16 January 2014 |url-status=live |via=YouTube}}</ref> Also in 2010, BrewDog produced a 55% ABV [[freeze-distilled]] beer called The End of History, with the bottles packaged in small [[taxidermy|stuffed]] animals, priced at £500 and £700 each.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite news |date=23 July 2010 |title='Perverse' animal beer bottles sell out in hours |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-10737787 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100723191416/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-10737787 |archive-date=23 July 2010 |access-date=23 July 2010 |work=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Patterson |first=Stuart |date=23 July 2010 |title=Scottish brewery introduces world's costliest beer at £700 a bottle... and it comes in a stuffed squirrel |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2010/07/23/scottish-brewery-introduces-world-s-costliest-beer-at-700-a-bottle-and-it-comes-in-a-stuffed-squirrel-86908-22433760/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100725115422/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2010/07/23/scottish-brewery-introduces-world-s-costliest-beer-at-700-a-bottle-and-it-comes-in-a-stuffed-squirrel-86908-22433760/ |archive-date=25 July 2010 |access-date=23 July 2010 |newspaper=Daily Record}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Lilley |first=Brian |date=22 July 2010 |title=Scottish brewer offers beer packed in roadkill |url=http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2010/07/22/14794821.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100725161239/http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2010/07/22/14794821.html |archive-date=25 July 2010 |access-date=23 July 2010 |newspaper=Toronto Sun}}</ref> Only 12 bottles were produced; 11 for retail sale, with the other one going to [[Vlog|video blog]] BeerTapTV.<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wk12EVlbJec |title=@GirlsPintOut Drinks The 'End of History' |date=6 November 2010 |access-date=10 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606192300/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wk12EVlbJec |archive-date=6 June 2014 |url-status=live |via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=22 July 2010 |title=The End of History |url=http://www.brewdog.com/blog-article/341 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121029152304/http://www.brewdog.com/blog-article/341 |archive-date=29 October 2012 |access-date=10 May 2012 |publisher=BrewDog}}</ref> BrewDog marketed The End of History as one of the strongest and most expensive beers ever produced, though similar high-strength beers have since been released by other breweries.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 November 2024 |title=11 Strongest Beers in the World For Serious Brew-Snobs |url=https://manofmany.com/lifestyle/drinks/strongest-beers-in-the-world |publisher=Man of Many}}</ref> [[Advocates for Animals]] called the gimmick "perverse".<ref name="autogenerated1" />
The title "strongest beer of the world" was then reclaimed by Georg Tscheuschner from Schorschbräu, whose Schorschbock 57 had an ABV of 57.5%.<ref>{{cite web |last=Benz |first=Andreas |date=21 March 2006 |title=Willkommen beim Schorschbräu – Die handwerkliche Kleinbrauerei im Fränkischen Seenland |url=http://www.schorschbraeu.de/schorschbraeu/site/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120416051403/http://www.schorschbraeu.de/schorschbraeu/site/ |archive-date=16 April 2012 |access-date=10 May 2012 |publisher=Schorschbräu |language=de}}</ref> The title for world's strongest beer has since been claimed again by [[Brewmeister (brewery)|Brewmeister]]'s Snake Venom at a reputed 67.5%.<ref>{{cite web |title=Brewmeister – 100% Scottish Craft Beer |url=http://www.brewmeister.co.uk/#/snake-venom/4580369643 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029204058/http://www.brewmeister.co.uk/#/snake-venom/4580369643 |archive-date=29 October 2013 |access-date=30 October 2013}}</ref>
== Legal issues == In March 2017, BrewDog threatened legal action against an independent pub based in Birmingham called Lone Wolf, a trademark owned by BrewDog.<ref>{{cite news |last=Davies |first=Rob |date=26 March 2017 |title=BrewDog accused of hypocrisy after forcing pub to change name |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/mar/26/brewdog-lone-wolf-birmingham-pub-change-name |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425192739/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/mar/26/brewdog-lone-wolf-birmingham-pub-change-name |archive-date=25 April 2018 |access-date=28 January 2018 |newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref> A day later, after the story was reported in ''[[The Guardian]]'', BrewDog director Watt [[Twitter|tweeted]] that the company had no issue with the bar using the name, despite it having already rebranded as The Wolf.<ref>{{cite news |last=Davies |first=Rob |date=27 March 2017 |title=BrewDog backs down over Lone Wolf pub trademark dispute |url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/mar/27/brewdog-backs-down-lone-wolf-pub-trademark-dispute |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223133337/https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/mar/27/brewdog-backs-down-lone-wolf-pub-trademark-dispute |archive-date=23 December 2017 |access-date=28 January 2018 |newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref> However, BrewDog released a statement at a later date saying "Hands up, we made a mistake in how we acted", blaming "trigger happy lawyers". The next day, further controversy arose over an alleged previous threat of legal action from BrewDog against a bar calling itself Draft Punk.<ref>{{cite news |last=Davies |first=Rob |date=28 March 2017 |title=BrewDog threatened lawsuit against plan for bar with 'punk' in name |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/mar/28/brewdog-lawsuit-bar-punk-brewer-pub |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202113900/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/mar/28/brewdog-lawsuit-bar-punk-brewer-pub |archive-date=2 February 2018 |access-date=28 January 2018 |newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref> In response to this, a spoof [[cease and desist]] letter, asking BrewDog to stop using the term "punk", was signed by over 200 punk bands, labels and promoters from around the world.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kerr |first=Jay |title=Smash the System: Punk Anarchism as a Culture of Resistance |date=2022 |publisher=Active Distribution |isbn=9781914567131 |editor-last1=Donaghey |editor-first1=Jim |pages=296–297 |chapter=The anarchist ethics of punk: The Punk Ethics collective in the UK |editor-last2=Boisseau |editor-first2=Will |editor-last3=Kaltefleiter |editor-first3=Caroline}}</ref> BrewDog's Watt later released a blog statement citing the allegation as inaccurate, calling it an example of "opportunistic lies combined with inaccurate journalism", noting that BrewDog does also own a trademark on the word 'punk' related to beer.<ref>{{cite web |title=Please Don't Steal Our Trademarks |url=https://www.brewdog.com/lowdown/blog/please-dont-steal-our-trademarks |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407144109/https://www.brewdog.com/lowdown/blog/please-dont-steal-our-trademarks |archive-date=7 April 2017 |access-date=6 April 2017 |website=BrewDog}}</ref>
In 2017 and 2020, BrewDog lost legal and trademark battles to [[Elvis Presley]]'s estate and [[Elvis Presley Enterprises]] over BrewDog's IPA product Elvis Juice and BrewDog's attempt to trademark "Elvis Juice" and "BrewDog's Elvis Juice".<ref name="BrewDog EPE 1">{{cite web |last1=Handley |first1=Lucy |date=January 29, 2018 |orig-date=July 12, 2017 |title=Marketing.Media.Money Elvis Presley's estate wins trademark battle over 'Elvis Juice' beer made by quirky British company BrewDog |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/07/12/elvis-presleys-estate-wins-battle-over-elvis-juice-brewdog-beer.html |access-date=October 11, 2024 |website=CNBC}}</ref><ref name="BrewDog EPE 2">{{cite web |last1=French |first1=Phoebe |date=September 21, 2020 |title=Brewdog loses latest trademark battle over Elvis Juice beer |url=https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2020/09/brewdog-loses-latest-trademark-battle-over-elvis-juice-beer/ |access-date=October 11, 2024 |website=The Drinks Business}}</ref> They won an appeal to use "BrewDog Elvis Juice" in the United Kingdom but lost an appeal to use the name in the European Union.<ref name="BrewDog EPE 2" /><ref name="BrewDog EPE EU">{{cite web |last1=AmericanCraftBeer.com |date=September 22, 2020 |title=EU Blocks BrewDog Elvis Juice Beer |url=https://www.americancraftbeer.com/eu-blocks-brewdog-elvis-juice-beer/ |access-date=October 11, 2024 |website=AmericanCraftBeer.com}}</ref>
In May 2019, BrewDog was accused of stealing marketing concepts from public relations firm Manifest London, and from job applicants using fake interviews and other deceptive practices.<ref>{{cite web |date=17 May 2019 |title=BrewDog accused of 'stealing' marketing ideas through 'fake' job interviews |url=https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/brewdog-accused-stealing-marketing-ideas-16289137 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716231639/https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/brewdog-accused-stealing-marketing-ideas-16289137 |archive-date=16 July 2020 |access-date=10 August 2020 |website=Edinburgh Live}}</ref>
== Employee relations == In June 2021, a group of over 100 former BrewDog employees published an open letter criticising the firm's business practices and the treatment of its employees. The letter cited a "culture of fear" and claimed the company was "built on a cult of personality", with founder and CEO Watt singled out for particular criticism.<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1402724680637747200 |user=PunksWPurpose |title=An open letter, to BrewDog. |author=Punks With Purpose |date=9 June 2021 |access-date=10 June 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=An Open Letter to BrewDog, Punks With Purpose |url=https://www.punkswithpurpose.org/dearbrewdog/ |access-date=2021-06-10 |website=Punks With Purpose |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Cotton |first=Barney |date=10 June 2021 |title='You have become a lightning rod for some of the worst attitudes present on both the internet and in real life': BrewDog CEO James Watt under fire from ex-employees |url=https://www.businessleader.co.uk/you-have-become-a-lightning-rod-for-some-of-the-worst-attitudes-present-on-both-the-internet-and-in-real-life-brewdog-ceo-james-watt-under-fire-from-ex-employees/121970 |access-date=10 June 2021 |work=Business Leader}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Makortoff |first=Kalyeena |date=10 June 2021 |title=Former BrewDog staff accuse craft beer firm of culture of fear |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/jun/10/brewdog-staff-craft-beer-firm-letter |access-date=10 June 2021 |work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=10 June 2021 |title=Ex-Brewdog staff allege culture of fear at brewer |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-57428258 |work=BBC News}}</ref>
In January 2022, an episode of [[BBC One]] investigative series ''Disclosure'' interviewed "former employees who say they found it a miserable and uncomfortable experience", and "some loyal customers [who] now say they regret investing their savings in BrewDog".<ref name=":3">{{cite episode |title=The Truth about BrewDog |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0013yfj |series=Disclosure |date=24 January 2022 |series-no=4 |access-date=12 February 2022 |people=[[BBC]]}}</ref> After the scandal, they lost their [[B Corporation (certification)|B Corporation certification]].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Sweney |first1=Mark |last2=Davies |first2=Rob |date=2022-12-01 |title=BrewDog loses its ethical B Corp certificate |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/dec/01/brewdog-loses-its-ethical-b-corp-certificate |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> ''The Guardian'' later revealed that Watt had hired private investigators to obtain information on people he believed were propagating a smear campaign against him.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Davies |first1=Rob |date=14 March 2022 |title=BrewDog boss hired private investigators to gather evidence of alleged smear campaign |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/mar/14/brewdog-boss-hired-private-investigators-to-gather-evidence-of-alleged-smear-campaign |access-date=14 March 2022 |work=the Guardian}}</ref> In February 2024, [[Ofcom]] dismissed BrewDog's claim that the BBC's documentary had unfairly targeted the company with a "hatchet job".<ref>{{cite web |date=19 February 2024 |title=Ofcom dismisses BrewDog claims of BBC documentary 'hatchet job' |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/02/19/brewdog-claims-of-bbc-hatchet-job-dismissed-by-ofcom/ |access-date=20 February 2024 |website=The Telegraph}}</ref>
In January 2024, BrewDog announced that it would no longer pay the "[[Living Wage Foundation|real living wage]]" from April 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last=Delphine |first=Strauss |date=10 January 2024 |title=BrewDog drops pledge to pay all staff the UK living wage |url=https://on.ft.com/3Hy7u8R |access-date=10 January 2024 |work=[[Financial Times]]}}</ref>
In March 2024, staff from BrewDog's flagship Waterloo bar signed an open letter to the company stating their working conditions were unacceptable and that little had changed since BrewDog's commitment to improve was made in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 29, 2024 |title=BrewDog fights back after letter claims staff work in 'culture of fear' |url=https://metro.co.uk/2024/03/29/brewdog-fights-back-letter-says-staff-work-culture-fear-20556817/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240329204713/https://metro.co.uk/2024/03/29/brewdog-fights-back-letter-says-staff-work-culture-fear-20556817/ |archive-date=March 29, 2024 |access-date=March 29, 2024 |work=Metro}}</ref>
== TV series == James Watt and Martin Dickie had a show in 2013 on American television channel [[Esquire Network]] which lasted three seasons.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2953726/|title=Brew Dogs |website=IMDb|date=24 September 2013|access-date=4 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418062504/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2953726/|archive-date=18 April 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> After the channel closed, BrewDog launched '''BrewDog Network''', which features a selection of original content.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/digital/news/brewdog-network-svod-streaming-video-1202916297/|title=Beer Company BrewDog Debuts Streaming-Video Service in Latest Niche SVOD Move|first1=Todd|last1=Spangler|date=27 August 2018|access-date=8 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904192233/https://variety.com/2018/digital/news/brewdog-network-svod-streaming-video-1202916297/|archive-date=4 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The BrewDog Network launch PR campaign centred around beer.porn, a parody of a pornography website, which drew further criticism of sexism and misogyny.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Davies |first=Rob |date=2021-06-10 |title=BrewDog: from 'punk' brewery to beer behemoth |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/jun/10/brewdog-punk-brewery-beer-scottish-brewer-controversy |access-date=2024-04-02 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
== Awards == ===Product ===
* 2007: World's Best Strong Pale Ale (Sub Category Winner) for The Physics by the World Beer Awards.<ref name=":4" /> * 2007: World's Best Imperial Stout (Style Trophy Winner) for Rip Tide by the World Beer Awards.<ref name=":4">{{cite web |url=http://www.beers-of-the-world.com/wba07/index.php |title=2007 World Beer Awards |publisher=Beers-of-the-world.com |date=20 June 2010 |access-date=10 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090907063419/http://www.beers-of-the-world.com/wba07/index.php |archive-date=7 September 2009}}</ref> * 2008: Gold medal at the 2008 [[World Beer Cup]] in the Wood and Barrel-aged Strong Beer Category for Paradox Grain.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.beertown.org/events/wbc/winners_list/winners_2008.html |title=2008 World Beer Cup Winners |publisher=Beertown.org |access-date=10 May 2012 }}{{dead link|date=July 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> * 2010: Gold at the 2010 World Beer Cup in the Imperial IPA category for Hardcore IPA.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.brewdog.com/blog-article.php?id=286 |title=Hardcore IPA wins Gold at the 2010 World Beer Cup |publisher=Brewdog.com |access-date=10 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101213084621/http://brewdog.com//blog-article.php?id=286 |archive-date=13 December 2010}}</ref>
===Corporate===
* 2008: Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theherald.co.uk/business/news/display.var.2469037.0.newcomer_brewdog_toasts_success_in_princes_trust_young_business_awards.php |title= 2008 Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust Awards|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201083053/http://www.theherald.co.uk/business/news/display.var.2469037.0.newcomer_brewdog_toasts_success_in_princes_trust_young_business_awards.php |archive-date=1 December 2008|access-date=9 April 2020 }}</ref> * 2008: Tenon Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the National Business Awards for Scotland.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalbusinessawards.co.uk/2008scotfinal/index.cfm?ccs=668|title=2008 National Business Awards for Scotland|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090802102754/http://www.nationalbusinessawards.co.uk/2008scotfinal/index.cfm?ccs=668 |archive-date=2 August 2009|access-date=9 April 2020}}</ref> * 2019: One-star accreditation with a BCI score of 666.2.<ref name="Best Companies">{{cite web |url=https://www.b.co.uk/company-profile/?brewdog--98027 |title=Brewdog: BCI |publisher=best companies |access-date=13 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213195419/https://www.b.co.uk/company-profile/?brewdog--98027 |archive-date=13 February 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>
== References == {{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
== External links == * {{Official website}} {{Scottish Distilleries}}{{DEFAULTSORT:Brewdog}} [[Category:Breweries in Scotland]] [[Category:Distilleries in Scotland]] [[Category:Beer brands of Scotland]] [[Category:Scottish malt whisky]] [[Category:Multinational breweries]] [[Category:Pub chains]] [[Category:Companies based in Aberdeenshire]] [[Category:2007 establishments in Scotland]]