A brewing company is facing criticism following an announcement it is to change the way some of its beer is made by moving away from using a historic system.
Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC) has said it is to retire the four remaining Union Sets at Marston’s Brewery in Burton upon Trent.
They have been used exclusively for fermenting Marston’s Pedigree ale in cask, but the company has said that low volumes due to the decline of the UK cask market has meant that fermenting using the Union sets is no longer viable.
Instead, a move is being made to stainless-steel fermenters, which are already used for fermenting Pedigree in bottle and keg.
Consumer group the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has described the decision as “hugely disappointing.”
Chairman Nik Antona said: “It’s obviously hugely disappointing that CMBC has taken the decision to retire its iconic Burton Unions. It is arguably the last brewery in the world, and certainly in the UK, using this method to brew beer and this decision will see a unique and historic part of Britain’s brewing heritage declared completely extinct.
“We’d urge CMBC to find some way to preserve these historic pieces of brewing equipment rather than simply scrap them, or make the Union Sets available to another brewery which might be interested in preserving this tradition.
“We do understand the need for breweries to remain efficient and ensure quality at a time when we are sadly seeing many closures. CAMRA is reassured that this news is tempered by the fact CMBC has invested a significant sum, worth several millions, in the site, which hopefully will secure continued brewing and support the cask ales which have long been brewed in Burton-on-Trent.”
Burton Unions, or Burton Union Sets, is an unusual method of brewing using a system of wooden barrels and pipes which recirculates beer and yeast during the fermentation period.
Although a company in the USA uses a modified version of barrel brewing, inspired by Burton Unions, it is not identical.
Emma Gilleland, Director of Brewing at CMBC, said: “We take great pride in the quality of our brews and by moving cask Pedigree to stainless-steel fermenters, we will be able to deliver consistent, strong quality for our customers and consumers going forwards.
“We are committed to protecting the legacy of the Union sets, both for the brewery and for Burton.
“We will invest in the preserving two Union sets, which will remain at the brewery so they can continue to be part of its future as enduring, iconic symbols of British brewing.”
A spokesman added: “We acknowledge that some people feel really strongly about the Union sets, given their important role as part of the brewing history at Burton.
“That’s why this decision has been taken after careful consideration, including planning for the preservation of the Union sets for cultural and educational purposes.”
