Burton Union set rescued to Glasgow
Re-assembled union set in situ in Glasgow (picture courtesy Epochal) Part of the legendary Burton Union system scrapped by Carlsberg-Marston’s at the beginning of the year has been saved – and it’s in Glasgow. In just a few weeks you’ll be able to see it up close at a newly-opened Glasgow brewery taproom, and drink beer made using it. It’s the realisation of an idea that seemed crazy six months ago. In January of this year, Glasgow brewer Gareth Young had just read the news that Carlsberg planned to scrap the last remnants of the iconic Burton Union system at Marston’s brewery. As a brewer more informed than most by historic brewing techniques, Young understood the significance of this equipment – exactly what it did, how widespread the system had been at its height, and its place in British brewing history. The word iconic has been devalued of late, but in this case it is justified: Marston’s once thought the union casks with their distinctive cast iron X-shaped struts so important
