Brooklyn Brewery brewmaster Garrett Oliver has joined forces with Thornbridge Brewery to craft a limited-edition Strong Dark Mild beer brewed on the world’s only operational Burton Union system. This collaboration celebrates both brewing heritage and innovation while supporting The Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing and Distilling (MJF), an organisation dedicated to advancing diversity and education in the brewing industry.
The 5.5% ABV beer is a unique blend featuring Maris Otter, premium Crystal and Chocolate malts, alongside West African Fonio—a heritage grain known for its superfood status and resilience in poor, drought-prone soils. By incorporating Fonio, the brew embraces sustainability and highlights an ingredient often referred to as Africa’s “forgotten crop,” vital for farmers in regions where traditional grains like wheat struggle to thrive.
Oliver played a key role in rescuing and restoring the Burton Union Set in 2024, ensuring this iconic British brewing apparatus remains operational at Thornbridge’s Bakewell brewery. The system, central to British brewing tradition but now extremely rare, lends the beer complex caramel and rich flavour layers. This release marks the first beer brewed on the Union Set with Oliver directly involved, blending heritage techniques with contemporary ingredients.
Beyond its craftsmanship, the project supports The MJF, a non-profit founded by Oliver that promotes technical education and career development for people of colour in brewing and distilling. For every pint or can sold, 10p is donated to the foundation, underscoring the collaboration’s social impact. Oliver, a recent recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Drinks Business Awards, has long been an advocate for sustainability, education, and equity in the drinks industry.
Simon Webster, co-founder and CEO of Thornbridge Brewery, praised The MJF’s efforts: “The foundation has made a remarkable impact by enabling more people of colour to access top brewing schools and shaping the future of our industry.” He added that merging this brewing milestone with support for such an important cause “makes it all the more meaningful,” while also honouring the tradition embedded in the Burton Union system.
Reflecting on the project, Oliver said, “After 36 years in brewing, this remains one of the most personally significant beers I’ve brewed. Starting my journey with British cask beers, brewing on this singular and wondrous apparatus is a tremendous privilege.”
The beer will be available primarily in Thornbridge bars and select UK freehouses, inviting enthusiasts to experience a rare fusion of history, innovation, and social purpose. This release follows growing interest in Fonio-based brews, with previous innovations by Carlsberg, Brooklyn Brewery, and UK’s Brewgooder further establishing the grain’s potential in sustainable brewing.
This collaboration not only revives a legendary brewing method but also advances inclusivity and sustainability within the industry, setting a powerful example for the future of craft beer.
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