BrewDog is a multinational brewery and pub chain based in Ellon, Scotland. With production of over 800, 000 hectolitres, BrewDog claims to be the "#1 Craft Brewer in Europe". It was founded in 2007 by James Watt and Martin Dickie, who together own 46% of the company. The company has been involved in a number of controversies. These have focused on its treatment of employees, its use of unethical business practices, and hypocrisy in regards to its anti-establishment branding BrewDog produces various types of ales and lagers, and several kinds of spirits. BrewDog was founded in Fraserburgh in 2007 by James Watt and Martin Dickie, who had previously worked at Thornbridge Brewery, where he helped develop their flagship beer Jaipur. In 2009, BrewDog purchased its first bar, in nearby Aberdeen. At the end of 2018, the company and its franchisees operated 78 bars worldwide In 2008, BrewDog was accused of aggressive marketing by UK drinks industry watchdog the Portman Group and risked having its products withdrawn from British shops. BrewDog denied these allegations and countered that Portman was impeding the development of smaller brewing companies. In December 2008, after an eight-month long dispute and a preliminary adjudication, which had ruled against the company, BrewDog was cleared of all breaches of Portman's code of practice and permitted to continue marketing its products without making any changes to the packaging
