Beer has been made in the small Midland town of Burton-on-Trent for
centuries: ale brewed by the monks at Burton Abbey was sent to Mary,
Queen of Scots in captivity. Then, in the 18th century, the introduction
of Burton Ale began the town's rise to brewing prominence, a fame which
was cemented forever with the production of the first cask of the
world-famous India Pale Ale. Today, brewing continues to thrive in the
area, and a small renaissance has taken place with the arrival of a
clutch of new breweries alongside such national institutions as
Marston's. Raise a glass to Burton's unique and heady history, and
celebrate its diverse and delicious heritage with this fascinating and
richly illustrated historical compilation by The Good Beer Guide's
editor, Roger Protz.