When it comes to the history of brewing in the United Kingdom, there is no doubt that the “big six” breweries played a significant role. These breweries, which dominated the industry for many years, were Whitbread, Scottish and Newcastle, Bass Charrington, Allied Breweries, Courage Imperial, and Watneys. Each of these breweries had its own unique history, brewing traditions, and impact on the beer landscape in the UK.
Whitbread, founded in 1742, was one of the oldest and most well-known breweries in the country. They were known for their range of beers, including their famous Whitbread Pale Ale. The brewery had a long-standing reputation for quality and consistency, and their beers were enjoyed by many across the UK.
Scottish and Newcastle Brewery, on the other hand, had its roots in Scotland and was formed through the merger of two well-established breweries: McEwan's and Newcastle Breweries. This merger created a powerhouse in the brewing industry, and Scottish and Newcastle became known for their iconic brands such as Newcastle Brown Ale and McEwan's Scotch Ale.
Bass Charrington, another prominent brewery, had a history dating back to the early 18th century. They were famous for their pale ales and India pale ales, which were exported to many countries, including India. Bass Charrington's signature beer, Bass Pale Ale, became one of the most widely recognized and respected beers in the UK.
Allied Breweries, formed in 1961 through the merger of Ind Coope, Tetley Walker, Ansells, and Truman, was a major player in the brewing industry. They produced a wide range of beers, including popular brands like Tetley's Bitter and Ansells Mild. Allied Breweries had a strong presence in both the on-trade and off-trade sectors, making them a dominant force in the market.
Courage Imperial, part of the Courage Brewery, had a rich brewing heritage that dated back to the 18th century. They were known for their strong ales, including the highly regarded Courage Imperial Russian Stout. This beer was originally brewed for export to the Russian Imperial Court and gained a reputation as a bold and robust beer.
Last but not least, Watneys was a brewery with a more controversial reputation. They were known for their innovation and marketing strategies, but their beers were often criticized for their quality. Watneys Red Barrel, a keg beer that was heavily promoted, became synonymous with the decline of traditional cask ales in the UK. Despite the criticism, Watneys was a significant player in the industry and had a considerable market share.
The dominance of the big six breweries can be attributed to various factors, including their long-standing history, strong brand presence, and distribution networks. However, as the brewing landscape evolved and consumer tastes changed, smaller breweries began to emerge, offering a wider range of styles and flavors. This diversification in the market eventually led to the decline of the big six breweries and the rise of the craft beer movement in the UK.
The big six breweries had a significant impact on the brewing industry in the UK. They shaped the beer culture and were responsible for some iconic brands that are still enjoyed today. While their dominance eventually waned, their legacy lives on in the rich brewing traditions and diverse beer landscape we see in the UK today.