A brief history of brewing in Britain – Part II

Dear friends, as we have promised you, we are going to continue now our story regarding the development of brewing in Britain and we hope we can achieve the two goals that we have: to provide you with some interesting details for reading them in your spare time and to help you improve your knowledge in English by switching from the Bulgarian version to the English one, as they are both uploaded on our website. With the help of Training Center Raya London you will be able to easily and pleasantly learn the language of our hosts and progress smoothly in your professional development and your daily life.

But let’s not get too far away from the beer subject!

In the 18th century the so-called IPA – Indian Pale Ale appeared on the horizon of brewing, and it was named like that because it was intended to be exported to a former English colony – India. One of the first brewers focusing on exporting there was George Hodgson of Bow Brewery Beer Factory.

A decree was adopted in 1830, allowing beer and cider brewing at home and those who wished to do so only had to pay a symbolic amount of money for receiving a state license. As a result of this, large breweries were strongly competed by small breweries and many new establishments where a person could sit and taste the local beer were opened. This facilitation of the production of the favorite drink was something necessary so that the growing use of gin could be eliminated, because of the horrible consequences for the body and mind that it had. At the same time, the British developed an appetite for the IPA which was for export, as the first word in the name – Indian, gradually dropped out of it, but not at the expense of the qualities of the original product.

At the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century and during the beginning of the First World War, the Temperance movement was imposed, which led to increased taxes for brewers, a reduction in the alcohol content of the drink and a ban on many drinking habits such as to order beer for the whole company. Up to until World War II, beer was lighter than usual. Dark stout beers were especially popular during this period as the Irish Guinness is widely used up to this day.

And here was the moment where new discoveries started affecting the technology of brewing. The first kegs under pressure were closed; it became possible the beer to be pasteurized and artificial carbon dioxide aeration was invented. These experiments began in 1936, but they were finally imposed in 1960.

Nowadays, there are many more changes that affect the favorite drink of many British people. The main beer used is bottled beer. Brewing beer at home is now allowed without a license and producing your own beer is becoming a popular hobby. There is also a growing interest in imported beers and many world famous brands entered the market in the 70s of the 20th century. Later, with the Perestroika process and the liberation of Eastern European markets, there are so many Polish and Czech brands such as Lech and Budvar that catch the interest of beer fans.

Nowadays, the consumption of the so-called craft beers is especially increasing. The curiosity of customers allows further development of the industry to the delight of all friends of the delicious drink.

And how about you, dear friends of Training Center Raya London, are you going to enjoy one cold beer today?

Author: Iveta Radeva