Protz On Beer, by Roger Protz

News

Sheps new brewery committed to cask

Shepherd Neame, Britain's oldest brewery, is investing in a new brewery that will produce all the existing cask ales and will add to the portfolio. Chairman Jonathan Neame (pictured) is also refurbishing many of the pubs in his estate, beginning with London outlets where, he says, business is booming

Added: Tuesday, November 10th 2026

News

Allsopp: restoring a great Burton IPA

Recipes from the 19th century, found in an old brewery ledger, have helped Jamie Allsopp, great-great grandson of Samuel Allsopp, revive a Burton IPA, a beer style that put Burton on the world map

Added: Tuesday, October 20th 2026

Comment

Marston's: a death in the family

The plan by Carlsberg to close Marston's brewery in Burton-on-Trent is a hammer blow to Britain's brewing history and heritage. There are 22 beers brewed at Marston's -- what will happen to them when the brewery closes? Young's and Brakspear pubs will need their beer as will Tetley pubs in the North.

Added: Friday, October 16th 2026

Feature

Howzat for a fine new Vintage Ale

It's awaited with all the excitement of the new vintage wine from Bordeaux -- but unlike the wine Fuller's Vintage Ale is brewed with different malts and hops every year. The 2026 edition is made with pale and crystal malts with hop varieties from England and the United States.

Added: Tuesday, September 29th 2026

News

Black beauty comes up from the deep

A bottle of Guinness 162 years old has been brought to the surface from a ship wrecked off the coast near Dover. It's now being analysed to see if it still contains live yeast. If the beer is drinkable or can be brewed again it will give a fascinating insight into how beers tasted more than 150 years ago

Added: Wednesday, September 16th 2026