O Roger for Burton

Burton ale makes comeback thanks to Welsh brewing collaboration

Burton-on-Trent is set to welcome a revival in its famous Burton ale as a new style goes on sale in local pubs this week (12 July).

The beer, named O Roger, has been brewed by South Wales based Otley Brewing Company in collaboration with world-renowned beer writer, Roger Protz.

Described as a ‘traditional Burton ale with a twist’ by Nick Otley from the Otley Brewing Company, the brew has been created with a pale malt and a small amount of amber malt to 5.2% ABV. As well as English Fuggles and Goldings English hops, American dry hops – Colombus, Galena and Aurora - were used to give it the twist.

Nick Otley, managing director of the Otley Brewing Company, said: “As a brewer that’s constantly experimenting with new types of real ale, we joined forces with Roger Protz to brew something really special. We’re really excited to be bringing back the traditional Burton Ale and what better way to launch it than in two of the best pubs in Burton-on-Trent.

“We’re inviting anyone along who fancies giving it a try and learning about Burton ale – a beer that goes back to the 18th century and has seen a colourful history. We thought it was about time to relaunch it for the 21st century and we’re looking forward to seeing how well it goes down with drinkers in its home town.”

After maturing in casks, the beer is now ready to be launched in Burton-on-Trent, and will be available from the 12th July at The Devonshire Arms on Station Street and The Alfred, on Derby Street, from 4pm.

Roger Protz said: “This is an exciting moment as it is the recreation of a great British beer style that has almost disappeared from view. I chose to have this version of Burton Ale brewed outside of Burton-on-Trent to stress that in the 18th and 19th centuries the style was so popular throughout the country that most brewers had ‘a Burton’ in their portfolio.

"It was a massive beer style with the strongest versions exported to Tsarist Russia and the Baltic States. I am looking forward with keen anticipation to tasting Otley's version.”