Thornbridge Brewery has breathed new life into one of the oldest traditions in British beer by installing a Burton Union fermentation set at its Riverside brewery in Bakewell. This rare piece of brewing history, dating back to the Victorian era, has become the heart of a new series of beers that celebrate Britain’s brewing heritage.
Reviving the Burton Union System
The Burton Union system is a unique method of fermentation using a series of interconnected wooden casks. Once common in the Midlands, it was famed for producing clean, consistent beers with a distinctive character. When one of the last operational Union sets became available in 2024, Thornbridge stepped in to preserve it for future generations.
Jaipur on the Union
The first experiment was with Thornbridge’s flagship Jaipur IPA. A double batch was brewed, with half fermented in the Union and half in modern steel tanks. Drinkers were able to taste both side by side, experiencing subtle differences in body, mouthfeel, and flavour.
Launch of The Union
Building on this success, Thornbridge released a brand-new beer simply called The Union. Brewed with Maris Otter malt, crystal malt, and traditional brewing sugars, it used classic British hops including Goldings and Northdown. The result was a 6% cask IPA with aromas of berries and cedar, a firm bitterness, and a minerally finish reminiscent of Burton’s legendary water profile.
The beer debuted in July 2024 and quickly established itself as a hit, securing a permanent place in Thornbridge’s core range.
Expanding the Range
Following the success of The Union, Thornbridge launched 1838, a pale ale named after the year the Burton Union system was patented. Brewed with Maris Otter malt and Savinjski Goldings hops, it delivered a biscuity sweetness balanced by floral hop character.
By early 2025, Thornbridge had positioned the Union set not just as a historic artefact, but as a driver of creativity and innovation.
A Collaboration with Garrett Oliver
In mid-2025, Thornbridge collaborated with Brooklyn Brewery’s Garrett Oliver to create a Strong Dark Mild (5.5% ABV) on the Union system. Combining Maris Otter, Crystal, and Chocolate malts with a unique addition of West African fonio grain, the beer was rich, creamy, and full-bodied. Importantly, it also carried a social purpose — a portion of every pint sold supported The Michael James Jackson Foundation for Diversity in Brewing.
Why It Matters
The revival of the Burton Union system at Thornbridge shows how heritage and modern brewing can work hand in hand. By investing in tradition, Thornbridge is proving that old techniques still have the power to excite drinkers today.
This project is more than nostalgia — it is about creating beers with depth, history, and meaning.
