Uncompromising beers and how to spot 'em

At BrewDog, we're allergic to compromise which is why we create beers that are crafted with passion to turn convention completely on its head.

In fact, we couldn't think of anything worse than crafting a brew simply to please the masses or using familiar ingredients just to run with the grain.

Yout should also try and get your grubby mitts on some of the world's most uncompromising beers; those that aren't afraid to stick the boot into the UK's traditionally straight-laced beer scene in favour of something a little more feisty.

Think your punk enough? Here's the BrewDog guide to spotting uncompromising beers:

1.Bizarre ingredients

Beer may only have four basic ingredients but this doesn't mean brewers can't add to the standard hops and malt combo with a handful of Scottish tayberries, a generous helping of crushed pineapple, a rare variety of yeast or even a tin of spam. Actually, forget that last suggestion but you catch our drift - off the cuff ingredients make for uncompromising beers so let your taste buds do the talking rather than any preconceptions.

2.Twists on the traditional

They don't lie when they say the oldies are the best which is why we think some of the most uncompromising and unforgettable beers are twists on the traditional that not only mess with your palette but also your expectations. Imperial Russian stouts, IPAs and amber ales all make great starting points for revamped classics so keep an eye out for those.

3.Unexpected ABVs

It's fair to say that the lure of the mainstream has taken its toll on the ABVs of some of the UK's most popular beers. Breweries like BrewDog are here to change that however and – despite the ferocious debate surrounding binge drinking – uncompromising beers with high ABVs are just one feature of a bigger plan to change more people's perceptions towards craft beer. We recommend trying a spectrum of ABVs for the most rewarding drinking experience.

4.New methods of brewing

Ask a sample of people how beer is made and the chances are you'll get the pretty standard response of 'by a brewer in a brewery'. Well done, but not quite. When it comes to BrewDog, we've brewed and aged beer on a ship in the Atlantic, at sub zero temperatures in an ice cream factory and even cobbled together the odd sample batch in our own garage. As a standard policy, anything that's not been brewed in a conventional sense should definitely be high on your to-drink list.

5.Obscure packaging

Finally, if you find yourself drinking beer out of a squirrel, chihuahua or cowboy boot this fest the chances are you've stumbled across an uncompromising beer. While the majority of beers will be served in a glass there will also be the opportunity to check out their branding so keep your eyes peeled for those that aren't towing the traditional route packaging-wise.