The Union – Thornbridge Brewery

Classic. Refined. Traditionally British.

Beer Overview

The Union from Thornbridge Brewery is a beautifully crafted 7% British-style IPA, brewed with exceptional traditional ingredients and fermented using Thornbridge’s unique Union set. Rich in heritage yet refined in execution, this is a beer that celebrates classic British brewing at its highest level.

Pouring a deep light copper, The Union balances elegant malt richness with gentle British hop character. Layers of marmalade, floral hop notes and subtle berry complexity sit alongside caramel and toasted sweetness, all brought together by a remarkably smooth and balanced finish.

This is a modern brewery’s tribute to the great historic IPAs of Britain—complex, characterful and deeply drinkable.

Flavour Profile

Taste: Marmalade, toffee and light caramel balanced by floral hops, cedar and gentle berry notes.
Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied, smooth and refined.
Finish: Drying, balanced and softly bitter with lingering malt and hop complexity.

Aroma

Rounded aromas of cedar, berry fruit and floral British hops rise above layers of caramel malt and subtle marmalade sweetness.

Brewing Process & Uniqueness

The Union is brewed using carefully selected traditional British ingredients, starting with premium Maris Otter malt from Norfolk, where sandy soils and maritime conditions create ideal growing conditions for the variety.

A touch of Simpsons Crystal malt adds colour and rounded sweetness, while the use of Brewers Invert No. 2 sugar from Ragus contributes notes of caramel and toffee while helping maintain balance and drinkability.

The beer is hopped exclusively with British-grown Goldings and Northdown, delivering soft floral aromas, gentle berry character and subtle cedar-like depth.

Fermentation takes place in Thornbridge’s Union set, using a combination of the brewery’s fruity British cask ale yeast and a clean California ale strain. This dual yeast approach creates both expressive character and the crisp attenuation needed to balance the beer’s rich malt profile.

Serving & Food Pairing

Serve at: 10–14°C in a tulip or stemmed ale glass.

Perfect with:

• Roast chicken
• Mature cheddar
• Pork dishes
• Traditional British pub food
• Sticky marmalade-glazed meats

Often described as the godfather of the UK craft beer scene, Thornbridge have always brewed the finest quality beer with a passion helping to create an award winning range of beers.

• Innovation

  Consistently pushing boundaries whilst respecting the important traditions of ‘Crafting’ beer helps Thornbridge to create an award winning range of beers and always meant we would be at the forefront of the craft beer industry

• Passion

  Often described as the godfather of the UK craft beer scene, Thornbridge have always brewed the finest quality beer with a passion helping to create an award winning range of beers

• Knowledge

  Thornbridge knowledge in the craft beer scene means they are highly respected within the beer industry. Thornbridge recognise that not only quality but consistency and innovation are key to creating amazing and beautifully balanced beer. With over 350 Industry recognised awards we are proud to be part of such an exciting UK Craft Beer scene.

The Thornbridge story began back in 2005 when the founders Jim Harrison and Simon Webster recruited two young brewers to brew on a second hand 10-barrel kit in the grounds of Thornbridge Hall

The brewery was originally based in the outbuildings of Thornbridge Hall, surrounded by beautiful gardens within the 100-acre estate. The buildings were renovated in 2004 in preparation for the brewery installation. Jim Harrison and Simon Webster recruited two young brewers, keen to kick-start their brewing career. Their first brew was Lord Marples, a 4% classic bitter, which went on to become a core Thornbridge beer

Next, they were tasked with brewing something a little different, an IPA which packed a punch in terms of both flavour and ABV. In mid-2005 Jaipur was born. A 5.9% IPA packed with American hops and like nothing else in the beer industry at that time. Following an array of awards and national recognition, Jaipur catapulted Thornbridge into the spotlight, demand outstripped supply and the need for a new Brewery became clear.

In 2009 a brand new state of the art brewery was built at Riverside, Bakewell to meet with demand and allow Thornbridge to develop their range of beers. Brewing still takes place today on the original kit which has been moved to beside the Taproom at Riverside, which allows us to experiment with new brews, create bespoke Hall brews, collaborations and assist the main brewery in Bakewell.

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All beer is cold stored to ensure you get the best quality beer delivered to you and so you get to enjoy the beer as the brewer intended.