Brewery Tours and Tastings: Discovering Burton upon Trent's Famous Beer Culture

Discover the famous beer culture of Burton upon Trent with brewery tours and tastings. Join us on a journey to explore the history and flavours of some of the UK’s most famous breweries. Contact Home Instead today to learn more about our home care services for older adults.

The brewing heritage of Burton upon Trent is one that goes back centuries and is deeply ingrained in our town’s identity. Known as the “Beer Capital of Britain,” Burton has been synonymous with brewing since the Middle Ages. Its unique water source, rich in minerals such as gypsum and calcium sulfate, creates the ideal conditions for brewing beer, particularly pale ales. This “Burtonisation” process imparts a distinct flavour profile to the beer, making it highly sought after by breweries around the world.

Throughout its history, Burton upon Trent has been home to numerous breweries, both large and small. The 19th century saw a boom in the town’s brewing industry, with the likes of Bass, Worthington, and Marston’s becoming household names. The iconic Bass red triangle became the first registered trademark in the UK, reflecting the company’s significant role in the beer industry.

Today, while the number of breweries may have dwindled, Burton’s brewing legacy continues with the presence of companies such as Molson Coors and Marston’s, as well as a growing number of craft breweries and beer festivals celebrating the town’s storied past.

Brewery Tours and Tastings

1. Burton Town Brewery is a popular local brewery, known for its classic Burton beers. Inside, you can admire a painted wall mural showcasing the history of brewing and brewing culture in the area. The bar is located next to where the beer is freshly brewed, offering visitors a unique experience. Established in 2015, the brewery started out as a small operation supplying cask ales to local pubs, but now offers a wide range of cask and keg beers, as well as bottled and canned ranges. Visitors have praised the friendly staff and high-quality drinks, with one reviewer calling the IPA “absolutely superb”.
2. Marston’s Brewery is one of the UK’s most famous breweries, and visitors can take a guided tour of the brewery to learn about the brewing process and the history of the company. The tour includes a visit to the brewery’s museum, where visitors can explore the history of Marston’s and its famous beers. After the tour, visitors can enjoy a beer tasting, where they can sample a range of Marston’s beers and discover the subtle flavours and aromas of each.
3. Heritage Brewing Company is a microbrewery located in Burton upon Trent. While they don’t offer tours, visitors can still sample the brewery’s range of beers at their taproom. The taproom is a cosy and welcoming space, perfect for enjoying a beer and chatting with friends.
4. Tollgate Brewery is another microbrewery located in Burton upon Trent. While they also don’t offer tours, visitors can still enjoy a tipple of the brewery’s fabulous beers at their taproom. Tollgate Brewery runs several bars and taprooms throughout the region – each is a perfect spot for enjoying a beer and relaxing with friends and family.

Remember to Keep it Age-Friendly

People of all ages can enjoy brewery tours and tastings, but it’s important to consider age-friendly aspects for older adults. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Check accessibility: Ensure the brewery has wheelchair accessibility or other necessary accommodations.
• Consider transportation: Home Instead provides local transport services, making it easy for older adults to get to and from the brewery.
• Take breaks: Brewery tours and tastings can be tiring, so it’s important to take breaks and rest as needed.

If you’re a beer lover, then Burton upon Trent should be on your list of must-visit destinations. From the Burton Town Brewery to Tollgate Brewery, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Contact Home Instead today to learn more about our home care services for older adults and explore the beer culture of Burton on Trent.