B M Range Burton On Trent

So, there I was, wandering the streets of Burton-on-Trent, a town I'd heard so much about, yet knew so little. I'd been craving a pint of their famous ale, and let me tell you, the locals were more than happy to point me in the right direction. "You've got to try the B.M. Range," one of them said, eyes gleaming with pride. And that, my friends, is how I found myself standing in front of the iconic B.M. Range sign, ready to dive into the heart of Burton's brewing history.

Now, you might be wondering, what's so special about this place? Well, buckle up, because we're about to take a little journey through time and taste.

Burton's Brewing Legacy

Burton-on-Trent, as you might have guessed, is a town that's practically synonymous with beer. It's been brewing the stuff since the 11th century, and by the 19th century, it was the beer capital of the world. But what set Burton's beer apart? The answer lies beneath our feet - or rather, in the water.

Burton's water is unique. It's hard, meaning it's rich in minerals, particularly calcium sulfate. This might not sound like much, but it's the secret ingredient that gives Burton's beer its distinctive flavor. It's like the salt in your cooking - you might not taste it on its own, but it brings out the best in everything else.

The Birth of B.M. Range

Fast forward to the late 19th century, and we find ourselves in the midst of the Burton Union system's heyday. This was a method of brewing that used a series of open fermenters, or 'unions,' to create a unique, top-fermented beer. One of the most famous breweries using this method was Bass, Ratcliffe & Gretton, later known as Bass Brewery.

Among their many brews was the B.M. Range, a strong, pale ale named after the brewery's founders - William Bass, Michael Arthur, and Percival Gretton. It was a beer that stood out even among Burton's many exceptional brews, and it quickly became a local favorite.

But here's where things get interesting. In the early 20th century, the brewery decided to stop producing the B.M. Range. Why? Well, that's a bit of a mystery. Some say it was due to changing tastes, others suggest it was a victim of the brewery's expansion and the need to focus on more profitable brews. Whatever the reason, the B.M. Range disappeared, leaving behind only memories and empty bottles.

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Reviving a Legend

Now, you might think that was the end of the story. But as they say, every ending is a new beginning. In 2015, a group of passionate brewers decided to revive the B.M. Range. They spent years researching, tasting, and experimenting, all in the name of bringing back this lost beer.

And let me tell you, they nailed it. The new B.M. Range is a beer that's true to its roots, yet fresh and exciting. It's got a rich, malty body, a crisp, hoppy finish, and just the right amount of bitterness. It's like stepping into a time machine and tasting a piece of Burton's brewing history.

But here's the thing - the B.M. Range isn't just about the past. It's about the present too. It's about the brewery that revived it, the pubs that serve it, and the people who drink it. It's about the community that's grown up around this beer, a community that's as passionate about its future as it is about its past.

A Toast to the Future

So, there you have it. The story of the B.M. Range - from its humble beginnings to its mysterious disappearance and triumphant revival. It's a story of tradition and innovation, of history and community. And it's a story that's still being written, one pint at a time.

Next time you find yourself in Burton-on-Trent, do yourself a favor and seek out a pint of B.M. Range. Lift it up, take a sip, and let the flavors wash over you. You're not just tasting a beer - you're tasting a piece of history. Cheers!