The demise of Watney's Red Barrel in the UK market can be traced back to the late 1970s. During this time, the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) was gaining significant momentum and advocating for traditional, cask-conditioned beers. Unfortunately for Watney's Red Barrel, it did not fit the criteria of what CAMRA deemed to be a “real ale.” This led to relentless criticism and opposition from the CAMRA movement.
As a result, Watney's Red Barrel began to lose favor among British beer drinkers. The brand's reputation suffered, and it became increasingly associated with mass-produced, flavorless beer. In the face of mounting pressure and dwindling sales, the decision was made to all but retire Watney's Red Barrel from the UK market.
It is important to note, however, that the brand did not completely disappear. Watney's Red Barrel continued to exist as an overseas brand, finding a market in countries where the politics surrounding “real ale” were less potent. This allowed the brand to linger on, albeit on a smaller scale and in a different context.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have witnessed the impact of CAMRA's influence firsthand. The rise of their campaign brought about a renewed appreciation for traditional brewing methods and flavors. It sparked a renaissance in the UK beer scene, with microbreweries and craft breweries gaining popularity.
Watney's Red Barrel, unfortunately, became a casualty in this changing landscape. Its association with the mass-produced, industrial beer of the past did not align with the desires of a growing number of beer enthusiasts seeking quality and authenticity. The brand's retreat from the UK market was a clear acknowledgement of the shifting preferences and the power of CAMRA's influence.
Watney's Red Barrel stopped being a prominent player in the UK market in the late 1970s due to the relentless battering it faced from CAMRA. This retreat can be viewed as a response to changing consumer preferences and the growing demand for “real ale.” While the brand continued to exist in overseas markets, its significance and presence were significantly diminished.