Tennent's 1885 Lager 4Pk

Tennent's 1885 Lager 4Pk is a Scottish export-style lager brewed at 5.0% ABV, sold as a four-pack of cans. Rooted in one of Britain's oldest brewing histories, the 1885 recipe traces its lineage to the lager that won the highest award at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair — a distinction that helped define Scottish lager on the global stage.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.0%  |  Origin: Glasgow, Scotland  |  Export Lager  |  Brewery: Wellpark Brewery (Tennent Caledonian Breweries)

Production & Heritage

Wellpark Brewery has occupied its site on Duke Street in Glasgow's East End since 1556, making it one of the longest-continually-operating brewery locations in the United Kingdom. Tennent's began lager production here in 1885, becoming Scotland's first lager brewer. The 1885 expression is made with fresh highland water drawn from Loch Katrine, Scottish malted barley, hops, and a historic proprietary yeast strain that has been maintained by the brewery for generations. Tennent's also holds several firsts in British brewing: the first draught lager in 1924, the first canned lager in 1935, and the first keg lager in 1963. The 1885 has only ever been brewed at Wellpark — a single-site commitment that anchors its identity firmly in Glasgow.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Soft, bready malt leads the nose, followed by gentle notes of honey and a whisper of grassy hops. The overall impression is clean and inviting without heavy perfume.

Taste: The palate opens with a light sweetness — think honeyed grain and fresh bread crust — before a mild green-apple fruitiness emerges at mid-palate. A modest hop bitterness builds toward the back, balancing the malt without overwhelming it. The body is medium-light, with enough structure to feel satisfying rather than watery.

Finish: Clean and relatively fleeting, with residual malt sweetness fading quickly into a dry, slightly bitter close. There is no lingering heaviness, which encourages another sip.

How to Drink Tennent's 1885

Best served well chilled, between 3–5°C, poured into a clean pilsner glass or tumbler to release the malt aromatics. It drinks easily on its own and pairs naturally with food.

• Shandy: The clean malt sweetness blends smoothly with lemonade for a refreshing low-ABV summer drink.
• Lager & Lime: A splash of lime cordial complements the subtle green-apple fruitiness already present in the beer.
• Michelada: The light body and crisp finish stand up well to tomato juice, lime, and hot sauce without getting lost.

Best For

• Introducing someone to Scottish lager with an authentic, heritage-backed product
• Stocking the fridge for a barbecue or casual gathering
• Pairing with pub-style meals like fish and chips or pie and mash
• Gifting to someone who appreciates Glasgow culture and brewing history

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Tennent's 1885 taste like? Tennent's 1885 is a clean, approachable lager with a honeyed malt sweetness, subtle breadiness, and a light hop bitterness at the back. Faint green-apple fruitiness adds interest without complexity that would slow down easy drinking.

How does Tennent's 1885 compare to Stella Artois? Both are 5.0% ABV European-style lagers, but Tennent's 1885 leans slightly sweeter with more malt character, while Stella Artois tends to show a drier, more pronounced hop bitterness. The 1885 also uses Scottish highland water from Loch Katrine and is brewed exclusively at a single Glasgow site, giving it a more regionally specific identity.

Is Tennent's 1885 good for beginners? Absolutely — its clean, balanced flavor profile and absence of strong bitterness make it one of the more accessible premium lagers available. The 5.0% ABV is moderate enough for casual drinkers while still delivering genuine flavor.

Where is Tennent's 1885 made? Tennent's 1885 is brewed exclusively at Wellpark Brewery on Duke Street in Glasgow, Scotland. The brewery site has been in continuous operation since 1556, and Tennent's began producing lager there in 1885.

What foods pair well with Tennent's 1885? Fish and chips — the crisp carbonation cuts through batter and oil. Grilled sausages — malt sweetness complements charred, savory meat. Sharp cheddar — the lager's clean finish refreshes the palate between bites. Margherita pizza — light body and moderate bitterness match well with tomato and mozzarella. Smoked salmon — the soft malt character harmonizes with delicate smoke without overpowering the fish.

What sizes does Tennent's 1885 come in? Tennent's 1885 Lager is commonly available in a four-pack of cans, which is the format reviewed here. Individual cans and larger multipacks may be available depending on market.

Is Tennent's 1885 worth the price? Tennent's 1885 positions as a mid-range lager with genuine heritage credentials that many mass-market competitors lack. The single-site production, Loch Katrine water source, and proprietary yeast strain justify its standing above commodity lagers, while remaining accessible for everyday drinking.

Why Tennent's 1885?

Few lagers in the United Kingdom can claim an unbroken production lineage dating to the 19th century at a single brewery. The 1885 recipe connects directly to the lager that earned top honors at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, an achievement that put Scottish brewing on the international map. Brewed with Loch Katrine highland water and a historic yeast strain, this is not a recipe that has been reformulated to chase trends — it is a product of deliberate consistency. For drinkers who value provenance and straightforward quality over marketing noise, Tennent's 1885 delivers a distinctly Glasgow lager with real substance behind its name.