Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Co (CMBC) has gifted a Burton Union set to Epochal Barrel Fermented Ales and has helped them to set up their own Burton Union system.
Discussions between CMBC and Epochal’s founder, Gareth Young, began earlier this year to explore the opportunity for Epochal to receive a Union set from Marston’s Brewery, in Burton.
The brewers were introduced by Garrett Oliver, brewmaster for Brooklyn Brewery in the US, whose beers, including fast-growing favourites like Brooklyn Pilsner, are part of CMBC’s range in the UK.
CMBC has provided Epochal with expert advice and guidance on the maintenance, set-up, and transport of the Union set, which is now in place at the Glasgow brewery.
“I’m hugely passionate about barrel fermented ales, so the opportunity for Epochal to have our own Burton Union system was the chance of a lifetime,” said Gareth Young.
“CMBC has been hugely supportive throughout this project to make it a reality. I genuinely cannot wait to start brewing with our very own Union set and to come up with some fantastic new beers for ale afficionados to enjoy.”
Emma Gilleland, director of brewing at CMBC, said: “Our work together with Gareth at Epochal is another exciting moment for the future of the Union system in the UK. CMBC is proud to do its part to support independent brewers and deliver an exciting future for the Union sets so they can be enjoyed by new generations of fans.”
Garrett Oliver, brewmaster at Brooklyn Brewery, said: “As a huge fan of the beers brewed by both Carlsberg Marston’s and Epochal, it’s amazing to have played a role in getting this momentous collaboration started and I couldn’t be more thrilled to see it completed.
“The Burton Union system is a unique piece of Britain’s brewing history, and with this project can continue to be a part of its future for enthusiasts — including myself — to delight in.
“Gareth will provide a fantastic new home for the Union set, and the CMBC team deserve every praise for their commitment and enthusiasm for making this happen.”
This project follows the installation of another Burton Union set at Thornbridge’s Riverside Brewery, in Bakewell, last month.
