Express & Star

Campaign to save Marston's historic brewing system as it's deemed 'no longer viable'

Marston’s Pedigree is moving into the modern era – and beer buffs aren’t happy.

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Marston's Pedigree is produced using the system

The brew has always been made using traditional wooden barrel fermentation, known as the Burton Union brewing system.

It dates back to the Victorian era, but is now being retired by Wolverhampton-based Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company.

Four casks currently used in Burton upon Trent to make Pedigree will be replaced with new metal containers.

The brewing company plans to preserve two of the old casks for brewing heritage purposes, but they will no longer be used to make beer.

The Burton Union system at Marston's Brewery

Carlsberg Marston’s says low volumes due to a decline in the cask market mean that continuing using them was no longer viable.