Discussions between CMBC and Epochal’s Founder, Gareth Young, began earlier this year to explore the opportunity for Epochal to receive a Union set from Marston’s Brewery in Burton, which would be gifted at no cost from CMBC. The brewers were introduced by Garrett Oliver, Brewmaster for Brooklyn Brewery in the US, whose beers including fast-growing favourites like Brooklyn Pilsner are part of CMBC’s range in the UK. 

CMBC has also supported Epochal by providing expert advice and guidance on the maintenance, set-up and transport of the Union set to provide the new Union system, now fully set up at Epochal’s brewery in Glasgow, with the best possible start. 

This marks the second project from CMBC to provide new homes for some of the brewer’s Union sets, helping to secure the future of these British brewing icons and preserve their enormous legacy. The project follows the collaboration between CMBC and Thornbridge Brewery, which saw the two brewers collaborate to create a new Union system in Thornbridge’s Riverside Brewery in Bakewell.   

Emma Gilleland, Director of Brewing at CMBC, said, “Our work together with Gareth at Epochal is another exciting moment for the future of the Union system in the UK. CMBC is proud to do its part to support independent brewers and deliver an exciting future for the Union sets so they can be enjoyed by new generations of fans.” 

Gareth Young, Founder and Head Brewer of Epochal Barrel Fermented Ales, said, “I’m hugely passionate about barrel fermented ales, so the opportunity for Epochal to have our own Burton Union system was the chance of a lifetime. CMBC has been hugely supportive throughout this project to make it a reality. I genuinely cannot wait to start brewing with our very own Union set and to come up with some fantastic new beers for ale afficionados to enjoy.” 

Garrett Oliver, Brewmaster at Brooklyn Brewery, said: “As a huge fan of the beers brewed by both Carlsberg Marston's and Epochal, it’s amazing to have played a role in getting this momentous collaboration started and I couldn’t be more thrilled to see it completed. The Burton Union system is a unique piece of Britain’s brewing history, and with this project can continue to be a part of its future for enthusiasts – including myself – to delight in. Gareth will provide a fantastic new home for the Union set, and the CMBC team deserve every praise for their commitment and enthusiasm for making this happen.”   

CMBC has also invested to preserve and display a Union set at Marston’s Brewery, on Shobnall Road in Burton, celebrating the role of the Burton Union system in the brewery’s history and its great pride in the Union’s proud legacy.