Brewers of Burton

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Brewers of Burton refers to the historic and contemporary brewing companies located in Burton upon Trent, a town in Staffordshire, England. The town is renowned for its brewing heritage and has been a significant center for the brewing industry since the early 18th century.

History

The brewing industry in Burton upon Trent began to flourish in the early 1700s, largely due to the quality of the local water, which is rich in gypsum. This mineral content made the water particularly suitable for brewing pale ale, a type of beer that became highly popular. The success of Burton's brewers was further bolstered by the development of the Trent and Mersey Canal in 1777, which facilitated the transportation of beer to other parts of the country.

Notable Breweries

Several notable breweries have been established in Burton upon Trent over the years:

• Bass Brewery: Founded in 1777 by William Bass, this brewery became one of the largest and most famous in the world. The distinctive red triangle logo of Bass was the first registered trademark in the UK.
• Marston's Brewery: Originally known as J. Marston & Son, this brewery was established in 1834. It is known for its Pedigree ale, which is brewed using the traditional Burton Union system.
• Ind Coope: Founded in 1856, Ind Coope merged with several other breweries over the years to form the Allied Breweries group.
• Truman, Hanbury & Buxton: Although originally based in London, this brewery established a significant presence in Burton upon Trent in the 19th century.

Brewing Techniques

The brewers of Burton upon Trent are known for their unique brewing techniques, particularly the use of the Burton Union system. This system involves fermenting beer in a series of interconnected wooden casks, which helps to produce a distinctive flavor profile.

Modern Brewing

Today, Burton upon Trent remains an important center for brewing, with several large and small breweries continuing the town's rich brewing tradition. The town is also home to the National Brewery Centre, which celebrates the history and heritage of brewing in Burton.

Cultural Impact

The influence of Burton's brewers extends beyond the town itself. The term "Burtonisation" refers to the process of adding minerals to water to replicate the brewing conditions of Burton upon Trent. This practice is used by brewers around the world to produce high-quality pale ales.

See Also

• Beer in England
• History of beer
• Pale ale
• Burtonisation
• National Brewery Centre