1870 Historic Burton IPA

The Flavour of Empire

By 1870, IPA was not just a drink but a symbol of British progress and pride. The Industrial Revolution propelled breweries to new heights. Allsopp and his now larger competitor, Bass, were leaders in adopting new technologies. These brewers leveraged steam power, refrigeration, and railroads to mass-produce ale. IPA’s sophisticated, pale appearance, and patriotic marketing made it the drink of the middle and upper classes, celebrated in exclusive clubs. Its identity evolved, becoming a reflection of Victorian ambition and the empire’s zenith.

The great Burton breweries, Bass, Allsopp, and Worthington, had refined the style into something precise and consistent: a pale beer with firm bitterness and a dry, elegant finish. Advances in malting and brewing brought greater control and clarity. Pale malt was lighter and more uniform, while improved hopping practices delivered a cleaner, more refined bitterness than earlier export ales. Though still shipped abroad, IPA was now just as likely to be enjoyed in London or Manchester as in Bombay or Calcutta.

This was the era in which IPA became a standard, not an experiment. It was a beer defined as much by balance and drinkability as by strength and preservation.

Our 1870 IPA reflects this moment: bright, structured, and composed, capturing the style at the height of its Victorian refinement.

Availability: Year-round

First produced: 2024

Alc.vol 7.6%