Angus Food and Drink

Protected under European Law, perhaps the most famous Angus product is the Arbroath Smokie. The smokie carries the same prestigious status as Parma Ham and Champagne.

The origins of the smokie began in the fishing village of Auchmithie, just north of Arbroath. The fishwives smoked the fish on sticks in whisky barrels. In the late 19th century, the fisher people settled in Arbroath with the lure of better housing.

Today the Arbroath Smokie is exported all over the world.

Why not try out one of our fantastic Arbroath Smokie recipes – there are some great ideas to choose from, including risotto, fishcakes and quiche.

The Arbroath Smokie Trail takes you on a sensory trail which showcases five key destinations for you to explore between Arbroath and Auchmithie that tell the story of the world-famous Arbroath Smokie. Take a look and download our mini audio podcasts.

For centuries, a special breed of cattle has been bred in the North East of Scotland. Famed all over the world for its high quality, discover its history and enjoy Aberdeen Angus beef with the Aberdeen Angus trail.

The original comfort food, the Forfar Bridie is a meat and onion pasty not to be missed. Currently seeking protected status, the Bridie has been produced in the historic market town of Forfar since the 19th century. Try the Forfar Bridie for yourself at local bakers Saddlers and McLaren’s.

As Scotland’s national drink, no county would be complete without its own whisky distillery. Glencadam in Brechin has been distilling whisky since 1825.

Arbikie Highland Estate near Lunan Bay produces a range of vodka, gin and whisky, including the world’s first climate positive gin and vodka. Visit the Distillery Experience and see a sustainable, field-to-bottle distillery built around real craft, real ingredients and real people.

Nestled in the Angus Glens, The Gin Bothy hand craft infused gins using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. They also produce a range of cider. Visit The Bothy Experience in Glamis to hear their story, visit the Larder Shop or enjoy a tasting session.

Ogilvy Spirits produces a vodka using potatoes sourced from nearby fields and also uses the vodka in a range of Perfect Pour cocktails. Take the Ogilvy farm tour to learn about the production process and enjoy access to their visitor centre.

Toll House Spirits produce a wide range of gins, fruit based gin liqueurs and a spiced rum. They have a retail shop and a tasting room at their base in Arbroath, available for pre-booked tasting experiences.

Carnoustie Distillery started in September 2017, and produce a number of vodka and rum liqueurs distilled in their garden shed, possibly the smallest distillery in the UK.

Redcastle Brewery in Carmyllie is a purpose built brewery which started production in 2016 and produce a range of high quality ales in cask and bottle.

Angus has a number of craft ale breweries including MoR Beers, and Shed 35. They offer a wide range of ales from light IPA’s to dark Porters.