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4th February 2025

Thornbridge Brewery to launch ‘1838’ a new Union-exclusive beer at GBBF Winter

In 2024, Thornbridge Brewery worked to preserve a historic piece of British brewing heritage, the Burton Union system. They transported this iconic equipment to Bakewell, where it has been in active use ever since, including for a special batch of their legendary IPA, Jaipur, and collaborations with renowned breweries Odell Brewing and The Kernel.

Following the installation, Thornbridge introduced The Union, a classic-style IPA crafted with British ingredients, into their core range. The beer has been met with widespread acclaim in both bottle and cask. Building on this success, they are now launching a second core Union brand.

Named after the year Peter Walker patented the Burton Union system, 1838 is brewed exclusively on this historic set at Thornbridge. This premium pale ale showcases the finest ingredients, blending Maris Otter malt with Savinjski Goldings hops to create a full-bodied beer with a light amber hue. Expect rich, biscuity malt flavours, balanced by floral hop notes and a crisp, refreshing finish.

Thornbridge will unveil 1838 at CAMRA’s Great British Beer Festival Winter, held from February 12th to 15th at Magna in Rotherham. As part of the launch, they will host a tasting with esteemed beer writer Roger Protz on the 13th, run a Discovery Bar on Friday the 14th, and maintain a Brewery Bar featuring both cask and keg options throughout the festival.

Notes to editor

Thornbridge Brewery is based at Riverside Industrial Estate, Buxton Road, Bakewell, DE45 1GS and has been operating since 2005. The brewery has picked up over 350 domestic and international awards, including over 100 for their flagship IPA, Jaipur

Great British Beer Festival Winter 2025 will be held at the iconic Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham! This former steelworks provides a perfect backdrop for an incredible selection of cask ales, craft beers, traditional ciders, and perries. https://winter.gbbf.org.uk/

Thornbridge now have a dedicated section on their website for The Union with all the latest happenings with the Union System https://thornbridgebrewery.co.uk/pages/union


For further information and all other enquiries, please contact Simon Webster, CEO and Co-founder of Thornbridge Brewery Simon.Webster@thornbridge.co.uk

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