The Union, a classic British IPA from Thornbridge, created using the Burton Union system, is to go into bottle for the first time this September.
Earlier this year, Thornbridge took the decision to save a part of the Burton Union, a historic piece of British brewing equipment. They brought this to Bakewell and have been brewing on it since, releasing a batch of their famous IPA, Jaipur, and a collaboration with the renowned Odell Brewing Company from the USA.
The Union (6% ABV) is brewed with the British-grown hops Goldings and Northdown, which give some gentle berry flavours and rounded, cedar-like hop aromas to balance the maltiness of the brew.
The base malt is Maris Otter, from Norfolk, where the sandy soil and maritime climate is perfect for growing this variety. It brings a slight nuttiness and biscuit flavour. There is a touch of Simpsons’ best Crystal malt to add colour and rounded sweetness, with lashings of the special ‘Brewers’ Invert No 2’ sugar from Ragus, which will add notes of caramel and toffee while helping to keep the beer’s body in check.
It has already proved hugely popular in cask, and in August at Peterborough CAMRA Beer Festival it won a gold medal in the strong ales category, followed by a silver medal overall.
In September, this beer will be available in bottles for the first time. Lunching as part of Thornbridge Beer Club, it will be bottle conditioned and slightly stronger than its cask counterpart.
It will be available throughout the UK and in Thornbridge’s export markets.
