Marstons Takes the Knock. Whither Draught Bass?

Well, I suppose it was inevitable - but sooner than anyone expected - Carlsberg Britvic announced that Marstons Brewery in Burton on Trent will close.  We used to call Whitbread out for their tour of destruction of British breweries, but this closure is of a different order.  

Carlsberg has already, in various guises closed  a lot of big breweries.  Tetley Walker at Warrington - and that was a big brewery - Joshua Tetley in Leeds - ditto, Banks' in Wolverhampton and now the last large cask brewery in Burton on Trent, Marstons.

The intent of this blog isn't to wonder and postulate as to why this has happened, but to have a look at the consequences.  Suffice it to say that you get into the lion's cage with one of the big boys, expect to be eaten.  

Carlsberg says  “As part of the proposal, we are also considering the long-term future of a number of traditional ale brands currently produced at our Burton upon Trent brewery. We recognise the importance of the traditional ale brands associated with Burton upon Trent and the loyalty they inspire among consumers, publicans and communities. While no final decisions have been made, we are in active engagement with potential partners with the aim of finding suitable long-term custodians who can give these brands the specialist focus and dedicated stewardship they deserve. This proposal does not mean that Carlsberg Britvic is withdrawing from ale. We will continue to sell and support ale brands including Hobgoblin, McEwan’s and Brooklyn, and remain committed to the UK beer and pub sector.” 

Mealy mouthed words.  In the UK, Carlsberg is mainly a lager company first and soft drinks next.  Ale is very much an afterthought.  

In a letter to CAMRA Chairman, Ash Corbett-Collins - a native of Burton, Carlsberg said "  We do not underestimate the brewery’s significance to the town and those who care deeply about Burton upon Trent’s brewing heritage. While it is too early to confirm specific plans for the future of the site, we understand its importance to Burton upon Trent and will give careful consideration to its heritage assets and place within the local community. 

That probably just means they won't knock down the brewhouse, just sell it, allowing it to be converted into posh flats!

But it seems that Carlsberg will consider transferring the brands it will no longer brew to others. I suppose these brands will be at a guess, Banks's, Courage, Brakspear, Ringwood, Eagle (Waggledance etc.), Tetley and I suppose the Marstons brands such as Pedigree. The big questions is who would want them and who has the capacity to brew them?  Is there really much appeal when the brands are twice or more removed from their former heartlands?

Even if they are sold, handed over, contracted out or whatever, that's more difficult than you might think. There aren't many large ale breweries left.  And then there is the question of what happens to Draught Bass which accounts for around 40,000 UK barrels of the current output of the estimated 240,000 barrels being currently produced at Shobnall Road.

So what is the shortlist for Bass?  The list isn't that long assuming the volumes are correct:

Camerons in Hartlepool is a possibility, with a capacity of around 150, 000 barrels a year. They already have the contract to brew Doom Bar and brew other lines for Carlsberg already I believe.

Greene King who have the current capacity, but are moving their brewing to a new site, where the capacity is vastly reduced. Seems an unlikely candidate.

Asahi. The Fullers Brewery could maybe, just about squeeze Bass in, but it would take them to the limit,so unlikely. 

Damm in Bedford. A bit of an outsider. I don't know what their new cask ale facility for the Speckled Hen brands can handle.

Any of these would have to heavily Burtonise their water to mirror the original. Maybe not such a big ask,but who knows?  

There may be others, but it is hard to see who they are, though an outsider might be Molson Coors who would need to instal a cask racking line. Maybe the one from Marstons?  That would solve the water problem, but again is it really likely?

We shall have to wait and see, but it may well be that the Bass revival is coming to an unexpected end. There are huge problems arising from this brewery closure and the ripples for cask brewing in the UK will continue for a while until decisions are made.

In the meantime I suggest you get out and drink Burton Brewed Draught Bass while you still can. Its days may be numbered. 

Of course it leaves Marstons PLC, the pub company, with a problem too. Who is going to brew their brands? I assume there is a supply agreement with Carlsberg. I bet the lawyers are on that case already.

On the above note, I can't remember when I last saw Pedigree on a bar. The figures for output at Burton are vague.

And finally, will this present an opportunity for small brewers to get stuff on the bar? Err. No.