Burton Upon Trent Cask Ale: Pedigree Draught Ale

Here we go then my second post on a Burton Cask Ale, so I believed it was only right to go from Draught Bass Ale to Pedigree.

Pedigree is another example of a beer which contains history for the town of Burton Upon Trent.

So what’s the magic behind Pedigree?

Pedigree currently is brewed by Marstons Brewery which is based in Shobnall Road (Burton Upon Trent).

 

 

The tasting notes for Pedigree (4.5% ABV) are as follows:

“A fascinating aroma with a palate of biscuity malt, spicy hops and light fruitiness”.

 

According to history Marstons Pedigree first appeared in bottled form in the year of 1952, however, the beer itself has been around for many years since around the 1900s when Marstons formed with two other former Burton breweries, Thompson and Evershed.

Pedigree as the same of Draught Bass is one of the most premium selling Cask Ales in the country, makes you wonder why Burton is indeed the brewing capital.

Back in the 1900s, Pedigree was branded as either “P” “PX” “PXX” and “PXXX” and these were set out by Headbrewer George Peard according to research.

The X at the end of P just pretty much meant the strength of the cask that was supplied, e.g. (4.8% ABV)

As time went on George came to the conclusive decision that “P” was a bad branded name for a beer. Would you ever go up to the bar and ask for for a pint of P?

Peard then decided to hold a competition to find a solution of re-branding “P” and a Marstons employee Marjorie Newbold decided to name the beer “Pedigree” and their we have it a new legend of beer was born.

A small little fact here, Burton Upon Trent is well publicised for using its own Well-Water in the Brewing Process and amazingly Marstons does this for their range of beers especially Pedigree. The Well-Water comes from a district village of Burton which is Horninglow.

If you’re travelling around Burton Upon Trent and decide to pop into one of the many pubs you will more than likely come across Pedigree, especially in Marstons owned enterprise pubs which serve the beer as a permanent feature.

Now, their is some speculation over Burton’s drinkers that people believe Bass is better than Pedigree, in my personal opinion I would put Bass first just down to the palate tasting but this doesn’t stop me from having a quick half of Pedigree now and again.

To sum up then, I do believe that this is a remarkable Cask Ale and still is a classic beer that will continue to become even more stronger and successful in the future especially with the history that it has provided.

It will always remain in the heart of Marstons Brewery and will always be a continued Burton brewed beer.

Thank you for taking your time to read this blog article about Pedigree, I really hope you enjoyed it!

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All comments are appreciated and can be answered due course.

Cheeeeers

Luke