If you’re a beer lover and appreciate a good pint of ale, then you probably already know this: Burton upon Trent is Britain’s brewing capital. This small town in Staffordshire has a rich history of brewing, dating all the way back to the Middle Ages. With the town’s deep-rooted beer heritage, it’s not surprising that there are various historic breweries that offer guided tours, allowing you to delve right into the heart of Britain’s brewing culture.
A Visit to Burton’s Brewing Museum
To truly understand Burton’s brewing history, start your beer exploration at the National Brewery Centre. Housed in the original Bass Brewery, this museum gives you a glimpse into the town’s brewing heritage. The centre boasts a vast collection of brewing memorabilia, including old ale barrels, vintage brewing equipment, and even horse-drawn drays that were once used to transport beer barrels.
At the National Brewery Centre, you’ll not only learn about the brewing process but also discover how Burton’s unique water, rich in gypsum, influenced the taste of the beer, earning the town a global reputation in the beer industry. This experience is not just educational but also interactive, as you can taste a variety of beers during your visit.
The Burton upon Trent Brewery Tour
Once you’ve learned about the history of brewing in Burton at the museum, embark on a tour of the town’s breweries. Although there are several breweries in Burton, your first stop should be the iconic Bass Brewery. This historic brewery, established in 1777, is known for its India Pale Ale, a beer style that was brewed to survive the long sea journey to the British colonies in India.
The guided tour of Bass Brewery gives you an opportunity to see the brewing process up close, from the mashing of grains to the bottling of the final product. You’ll also learn about the Bass family’s contribution to Burton’s brewing history. Don’t forget to sample the brewery’s famous ales at the end of the tour.
Exploring Burton’s Lesser Known Breweries
Besides Bass, Burton is home to several smaller breweries that also offer guided tours. One such brewery is the Burton Bridge Brewery, a real ale brewery established in 1982. Here, you can learn about the traditional brewing methods still used today, and get to sample some of their award-winning ales.
Another lesser-known gem is the Tower Brewery, located in a restored Victorian water tower. This microbrewery offers tours that give you an insight into the art of craft brewing. You can even participate in a brewing session here, making this a truly hands-on experience.
Guided Ale Trails in Burton
For a more comprehensive experience, consider joining an ale trail in Burton. These guided tours take you on a walk around the town’s historic pubs and breweries. As you stroll from one pub to another, you’ll not only sample a variety of ales but also learn about Burton’s pub culture and the stories behind these historic establishments.
Noteworthy is the Burton Real Ale Trail, which focuses on pubs serving ‘real ale’ – beer brewed from traditional ingredients and matured in the cask from which it is served. As you savor each pint, remember to appreciate the role Burton’s water plays in creating the distinctive flavor of these ales.
Where to Stay in Burton
If you’re planning to extend your brewery tour over a weekend or longer, you’ll need a place to stay. Burton has several hotels that cater to beer enthusiasts. Some of these hotels even offer brewery tour packages, making your beer exploration trip convenient and hassle-free.
One such hotel is the Three Queens Hotel and Lodge, conveniently located near the town centre. This hotel has comfortable rooms and a traditional English pub serving a variety of local ales. Another option is the Holiday Inn Express, which offers modern amenities and is close to several breweries, including Bass Brewery.
In this vibrant town, the love for beer and ale is palpable. But remember, while opinions on which brewery or beer is the best are highly subjective, one fact remains: Burton upon Trent is a must-visit destination for any beer lover. Whether you are an aficionado or simply someone looking to discover something new, the historic breweries in Burton are ready to welcome you – pint in hand.
The Role of Burton in British Brewing History
Understanding why Burton upon Trent became Britain’s brewing capital requires a look at its history. The town’s brewing legacy began in the Middle Ages, when the water from the River Trent was discovered to be ideal for brewing. This water, rich in gypsum, gave Burton’s beers a distinctive flavor that was much loved by beer drinkers in Britain and beyond.
During the 18th century, the establishment of the canal network allowed Burton breweries to distribute their beer nationwide. The fame of Burton’s beer grew further during the British colonial era, when Burton’s India Pale Ale started being exported to India. To this day, the India Pale Ale remains one of the most popular beer styles in the world.
However, it wasn’t just the quality of beer that set Burton apart. The town was also home to innovative brewers, such as the Bass family, who contributed significantly to the development of modern brewing methods. Their techniques and recipes are still used today, not only in Burton, but in breweries around the world.
Taking a guided tour of Burton’s historic breweries, therefore, is not just about tasting great beer. It’s also about discovering the town’s remarkable contribution to British brewing history. From the Bass Brewery, where you can learn about the pioneering Bass family, to the smaller breweries, where traditional brewing methods are still preserved, each tour offers a unique insight into Burton’s storied brewing past.
In conclusion, Burton upon Trent offers beer lovers a unique opportunity to delve into the heart of Britain’s brewing culture. As you tour the town’s historic breweries, you’re not just visiting buildings – you’re stepping into chapters of a story that has shaped the world of beer as we know it.
Whether you’re exploring the vast collections at the National Brewery Centre, sampling India Pale Ale at the iconic Bass Brewery, or savoring a pint of real ale at one of Burton’s historic pubs, you’re experiencing first-hand the rich brewing heritage of this town. And as you discover the role Burton’s water plays in shaping the beer’s distinctive flavor, you’ll come to understand why this small town in Staffordshire is revered by beer enthusiasts worldwide.
So, whether you’re an avid beer aficionado or a casual fan, a visit to Burton upon Trent is sure to be a memorable experience. As you raise a glass in one of Burton’s historic breweries or pubs, you’re not just toasting to a great pint of ale – you’re also celebrating the town’s enduring legacy in the world of brewing. And that, in itself, is a reason to visit Burton upon Trent – the undisputed capital of British brewing.
