Burton Unions

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Introduction

The Burton Union method of fermentation is essentially a ‘cleansing’ system. It is a means of removing yeast from beer as the fermentation finishes as well as collecting it for use in subsequent brews. It particularly suits the rather powdery strains traditional in Burton on Trent as the sedimentation distance is a matter of inches and not metres. Only Pedigree and Owd Rodger strong ale go through the union sets at Burton. About 40% of the Pedigree destined for cask sale is fermented to completion in squares and is blended with union beer before packaging.