Founded five years ago by Matty Dixon, a business consultant with an MBA from London Business School, the business began as a concept in one of his degree modules: an alcohol-free brewery that didn’t compromise on taste.
When Covid hit, many would have put the idea on hold. But Matty pressed ahead. Frustrated with industry leaders who were “all talk,” he set out to build a business where values were as important as hops and barley.
“I didn’t want to just start another brewery,” Matty says. “I wanted to build something that actually stood for something, something people could believe in.”
Today, Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing produces a full spectrum of beers, from alcohol-free to session strength (around 3–4.5% ABV) to high strength, with one goal: big beer experiences that support local employability.
From day one, inclusivity has been a non-negotiable value. The brewery is committed to employing people who are physically or neurologically diverse, working closely with Stirling Council’s employability team. All staff are paid the living wage and the business is also committed to helping local mums back into work.
“Our mission isn’t just about beer,” says Matty. “It’s about creating opportunities for those who don’t get them often and building a community around it.”
That community spirit shines through in their popular end-of-month pop-up taprooms and Sunday socials, where free tea and coffee are served to bring people together and help alleviate loneliness.
“Our socials have attracted a real community following,” Matty explains, “proving a simple cup of tea can make a real difference.”
Keep an eye on their socials for details of the next get together.
Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing aims to make the most sustainable choice at every step. Their Dunblane brewery and taproom run on renewable energy from Valda and heat from production is recycled to brew more beer.
From the outset, they’ve chosen aluminium cans: infinitely recyclable and with a 20% lower carbon footprint than glass bottles.
“We know we can’t change the world overnight,” says Matty, “but we can make the best decision available to us every single time. That’s how real change happens.”
Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing is also proud to support groups that reflect its values, from CALM and Sporting Memories to The Drinks Trust and local women’s sports teams.
Each beer has its own character and the brewery is picking up the awards to back it up. Hundreds of session strength beers have been sold since December, showing how popular the “middle ground” between alcohol-free and high-strength has become.
“People want to enjoy a pint without the price the next day,” Matty notes. “We’re proving that lower strength doesn’t mean lower quality.”
Based on a small industrial estate near M&S in Dunblane, the brewery shop is open every Thursday and Friday from 11am–7pm.
The brewery is also available to hire – whether it’s a wedding, birthday, Christmas party, or even a stag or hen night. The team can bring the bar to you or host events at their taproom, serving not just beer but food too.
“At the end of the day,” Matty says, “we just want to give people good times and good beer, and make sure no one gets left behind.”
Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing
Block 1,
Unit 4,
Duckburn Industrial Estate,
Dunblane,
FK15 0EW.
078557822687
