A timeline: how BrewDog became what it is today

• July 2008​: Health campaigners slam 12% stout​

Health campaigners in Scotland slammed the release of BrewDog’s 12% ABV stout.

However, the Scottish brewer claimed the beer was for connoisseurs and to be savoured, not drunk irresponsibly.

• October 2009​: BrewDog buys first pub​

BrewDog acquired its first pub – the Marischal in Aberdeen.

The microbrewer bought the freehold of the pub, which only served BrewDog beers for an undisclosed fee. The site had been closed for two years prior to BrewDog.

• December 2009​: BrewDog aims to launch pub chain by end of 2010​

BrewDog revealed plans to launch a pub chain by the end of 2010.

Owners James Watt and Martin Dickie wanted to build on the growth of the business and continue to ‘tackle’ a culture of mass-produced cheap drinks.

• January 2009​: Portman Group should be scrapped​

An eight-month battle against the industry watchdog the Portman Group left BrewDog baying for the organisation's blood and called for it to be scrapped.

Three of the brewer’s beer brands came under fire following an audit of drinks packaging by the Portman’s Independent Complaints Panel.

However, after a lengthy discussion lasting most of 2008, the drinks were cleared.

• June 2010​: BrewDog reports 250% sales growth​

BrewDog announced a 250% growth in sales for the first quarter of 2010.

The brewer was producing more than 400,000 bottles of its Beer for Punks each month across 17 different countries.

• July 2010​: BrewDog launches strongest beer – in a squirrel​

BrewDog claimed it had created the most alcoholic and expensive beer is the world.

End of History was 55% ABV and cost £500 for a 330ml bottle.

Just 12 bottles were brewed and encased in seven dead stoats, four squirrels and a hare, which were created by a taxidermist, according to the Scottish brewer.

• January 2012​: BrewDog ups roll-out plans​

Expansion plans for 2012 including the possibility of a site abroad were unveiled by BrewDog.

The Scottish brewer and pub operator revealed it was looking to open 10 pubs in 2012 with Europe as the main focus, but there had been talks about Tokyo too.

Original plans were to open five bars throughout the year, but due to the company’s success, this increases to 10.

• September 2012​: BrewDog to launch a range of soft drinks​

After securing £551,000 in funding from the Scottish Government, BrewDog told The Morning Advertiser ​it would move into soft drinks.

The Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation scheme provided the funding to expand brewery operations and develop a range of 'malt-based soft drinks'.

• October 2013​: BrewDog reports record growth and hits recruitment trail​

BrewDog reported a fifth consecutive year of record growth and said it was on track to turnover £20m, up from £12m in 2012.

It also planned to create more than 50 new jobs in the following six months, including key management positions.

• April 2014​: BrewDog opens first craft beer bottle shop in London​

The pub operator and brewer opened its first craft beer bottle shop near King’s Cross, London.

BottleDog stocked more than 250 different bottled beers, including its own range and craft beers from other UK and international breweries.

Co-founder James Watt claimed the shop would have the “most extensive craft beer selection you could get your hands on in London” with beers from across the world.

• October 2015​: BrewDog 'smashes crowdfunding world record with a monster truck'​

BrewDog broke the world record for the most amount of money made through crowdfunding, raising £10m through its Equity for Punks campaign.

This was the Scottish brewer's fourth wave of fundraising, and investors were also given the chance to buy bonds as well as equity.

• January 2016​: BrewDog rolls out coffee offer​ ​

Coffee roasters Dear Green and BrewDog joined forces to offer a bespoke coffee from the brewer’s UK bars with takeaway and packs of pre-ground beans also available.

The group stated brewers felt “a natural synergy” with coffee as the roasting process was similar to beer production.

• February 2016​: BrewDog enters spirits market​

The launch of a new distillery meant BrewDog made its mark in the spirits market.The move followed the brewer's first dabbling in the spirits sector in 2013 where it launched a 35% ABV distilled beer named WattDickie.

• June 2016​: BrewDog founders awarded MBEs​

BrewDog founders Martin Dickie and James Watt were awarded MBEs in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Watt hailed the accolade as “amazing to have been awarded something so prestigious”.

• July 2016​: BrewDog launches 'real ale'​

Five years after BrewDog failed to attend the Great British Beer Festival, the brewer announced the launch of a new, 'live' key-keg version of its popular Dead Pony Club ale.

The beer was compatible with the Campaign for Real Ale’s guidelines on what constitutes a real ale, thanks to its key-keg process and a final fermentation in the keg.

• February 2017​: BrewDog to open first US pub​

The Scottish brewer announced it would open its first US pub and headquarters Stateside.

DogTap opened its doors on 20 February and included a 10,000sq ft taproom alongside a restaurant.

• March 2017​: BrewDog to crowdfund 'world's first' craft beer hotel​

A crowdfunding campaign to raise money for the ‘world’s first’ craft beer hotel was launched by BrewDog.

DogHouse will be attached to the brewer’s new US sour beer facility in Columbus, Ohio.

CEO and co-founder James Watt lauded the design of the new site “the new happiest place on earth”.