Worthington White Shield is brewed in Burton-on-Trent, a town located in Staffordshire, England. Burton-on-Trent is renowned for its long history in the brewing industry and is often referred to as the “home of British brewing.” The town's unique water source, derived from underground wells, played a crucial role in establishing its reputation for producing exceptional beers.
Burton-on-Trent's water is rich in sulfate, which gives it distinct properties that are highly beneficial for brewing certain beer styles, particularly India Pale Ales (IPAs). The water's high mineral content, specifically its high levels of calcium and magnesium, contributes to the overall flavor profile of the beer. It enhances the hop bitterness and helps accentuate the malt character, resulting in a more robust and full-bodied brew.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of visiting Burton-on-Trent and witnessing firsthand the brewing process at one of the local breweries. The water in this region truly is remarkable, and it is no wonder that it has become such an integral part of Worthington's success.
Worthington White Shield, in particular, is a standout example of the quality that can be achieved with Burton-on-Trent's water. This India Pale Ale boasts a feisty and full-flavored profile, with bold notes of malt and toffee. The combination of the unique water, carefully selected malt, and the skillful use of hops creates a beer that is both complex and satisfying.
The brewing process for Worthington White Shield involves several steps, each one meticulously executed to ensure the beer's exceptional quality. The brewers start by selecting the finest ingredients, including locally sourced malt and hops. The malt provides the beer with its rich and robust flavor, while the hops add a pleasant bitterness and aromatic qualities.
The water from Burton-on-Trent is then used during the mashing process, where the malt is mixed with hot water to extract its sugars. The water's mineral content helps to break down the malt and release its flavors, resulting in a more pronounced and well-rounded taste.
After mashing, the wort (the liquid extracted from the malt) is boiled and hops are added at specific intervals to impart bitterness and aroma. This careful addition of hops creates a balanced beer with a lingering hop character that complements the malt backbone.
Once the boiling process is complete, the wort is cooled and yeast is added for fermentation. Worthington White Shield undergoes a secondary fermentation in the bottle, which contributes to its unique and lively carbonation. This bottle-conditioning process further develops the beer's flavors and ensures its longevity.
The final product is a testament to the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into brewing Worthington White Shield. It is a beer that pays homage to the rich brewing heritage of Burton-on-Trent and showcases the unique qualities of its water.
Worthington White Shield is brewed in Burton-on-Trent, a town in Staffordshire, England known for its exceptional water source and brewing tradition. The water's mineral content, particularly its high sulfate levels, contributes to the beer's distinctive flavor profile. With bold notes of malt and toffee, Worthington White Shield is a prime example of the quality that can be achieved when the right ingredients and brewing techniques are combined with the purity of Burton-on-Trent's water.