Melbourn Bros.

While there are older breweries in England, it would be safe to say that few breweries are so little changed as this gem at Stamford, which has stood in the center of the beautifully preserved market community since 1825. From the antique grist mill to the ancient copper vessels, Melbourn Bros. remains today, a working brewery which blends the traditions of the ancient craft with that of the early industrial revolution. By using such a facility to brew beer with wild yeasts, seasoned with fresh fruits, we are reliving a history for which books are destined to be written.

History:

One of the high points of any visit to England would be a visit to Stamford, a small town in Lincolnshire, in the east of England. Just off the main square, near all Saints’ Church, is the working brewery of Melbourn Bros.

William Brown Edwards established the basis for the present brewery in 1825. Edwards and his family ran the brewery until 1857, when Frederick George Phillips, who, in turn, was followed by Elmer Brown in 1859, succeeded them. The business bought by Herbert Wells Melbourn in 1869 was therefore already well established and successful. Though small by the standards of London or Burton-on-Trent, the size of the brewery and its trade was about average for the country as a whole.

The establishment suffered a fire in 1876 and had to be rebuilt. When it was rebuilt, the most modern brewing methods of the day were employed, including a coal-fired boiler, and the new plant was called Melbourn Bros. Steam Beer Brewery.

Melbourn Bros. was operated until the late 1970s, when it was decided that the plant was too old and inefficient. During the years of operation, as is the custom in England, the brewery’s majority of customers were its own “tied” pubs in and around Stamford.

In 1994 Melbourn Bros. decided that their beer would be brewed in an ancient British tradition, with fresh fruits as seasoning. (Only as recently as the Middle Ages has the hop been used as a beer seasoning and preservative.) At that time, old fashioned construction, wooden tanks, and other hard-to-clean surfaces would otherwise have been considered a liability. Instead these were turned into an asset: the brewery would make an ideal facility in which to brew spontaneously fermented beer.

Today, with 15,000 inhabitants, Stamford is a living museum, and a visit is a step back in time. Students of architecture can see Saxon, Danish and Norman buildings. The mellow stone buildings, both private and municipal, range from medieval to the 18th century. In addition to beautiful buildings Stamford offers churches, museums, shops, pubs, hotels, bed-and breakfasts and a nice public garden next to the river. It is a great place to explore, with delightful surprises around every corner.

Visit Merchant Du Vin for more details.

Melbourn Strawberry

Melbourne Bros. fruit beers are spontaneously fermented. The beers are subtle with a refined flavor and character. The malt and strawberry are beautifully balanced, making this beer a perfect beverage for barbecues and patio dining. The clean, fresh flavor of ripe strawberries shines through.

Best With: It is delicious after a meal with fruit, cheese, or dessert. Serve chilled.

Special Attributes: Dessert Beer


Melbourn Apricot

Some say that beer was introduced to the British Isles by the Vikings around the year 1000. It would be another 550 years before hops were used as a beer seasoning and another 100 years before their use was widespread. Melbourne Bros. has reintroduced really old-fashioned all-malt beers with their spontaneously fermented Apricot. Simply delicious, fresh, satisfying and beautifully balanced.

Best With: The dryness of this beer complements a meal, yet its fruitiness makes it a great warm weather refresher. Serve chilled.

Special Attributes: Dessert Beer

ABV: 5%


Melbourn Bros. Cherry

Melbourne Bros. All Saints Brewery is stone built and tiny in scale with its steam engine, copper and cedar wood vessels and cobbled yard. The cherry beer is crafted to balance the sweetness of the fresh pure cherry juices with the astringency of the spontaneously fermented beer that has been matured for at least a year.

Best With: Melbourne Bros. Cherry Fruit Beer is a delicate-tasting luxury, not too high in alcohol but delicious with good food or served cool to savor on its own.

Special Attributes: Dessert Beer

ABV: 5%