Why Garrett Oliver and Thornbridge’s beer is history in motion
A beer, made on historic brewing kit, using "super grain" Fonio and with a mission to support the careers of people of colour, has launched. The post Why Garrett Oliver and Thornbridge’s beer is history in motion appeared first on The Drinks Business.
A beer, made on historic brewing kit, using "super grain" Fonio and with a mission to support the careers of people of colour, has launched.
The release, which sees Brooklyn Brewery brewmaster Garrett Oliver collaborating with Thornbridge Brewery to create a beer brewed on the world’s only operational Burton Union set to support The Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing and Distilling (MJF) combines both the traditional and the progressive.
The limited-edition 5.5% ABV Strong Dark Mild beer has been brewed using Maris Otter, premium Crystal and Chocolate malts as well as West African Fonio in the grain mix and has been made on the Burton Union Set which in 2024 Oliver was instrumental in helping to save from extinction. All of the proceeds from the beer's release will also benefit the MJF, helping new brewers develop their careers.
Fonio is an African heritage grain which most closely resembles a cross between couscous and quinoa in both appearance and texture. It has been dubbed a superfood, as well as Africa’s “forgotten crop”, and is a vital resource for farmers in the western parts of the continent where other grains like wheat are scarce. Fonio also thrives in poor soils and is a drought resistant crop, meaning it offers some strong sustainability credentials.
Looking at the method for which the new beer has been brewed combines this progressive crop with a touch of historic tradition, making this beer a rare result indeed. This is because, last year, Oliver also played a pivotal role in assisting Thornbridge with the rescue and restoration of the renowned Burton Union Set - a legendary system once central to British brewing which is now operational at Thornbridge’s brewery in Bakewell and stands as the sole functioning example of its kind anywhere in the world.
Since its installation, Thornbridge has used the Union to explore heritage styles and collaborations, however this new release marks the first beer brewed on the system with Oliver himself and has helped create a beer with “complex layers of caramel and richness”.
In addition to its historical and technical significance, the collaboration supports a vital cause. Oliver founded The MJF, a non-profit organisation that funds technical education and career advancement for people of colour in the brewing and distilling industries. This means that for every pint and can of this beer sold, 10p will be donated to the foundation.
Oliver recently won the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Drinks Business Awards and over the years has championed sustainability, education, and equity across the drinks world. From The Brewmaster’s Table to The Oxford Companion to Beer, his words have become foundational texts, changing how the world talks about what’s in the glass.
Speaking to the drinks business, Thornbridge Brewery co-founder and CEO Simon Webster said: “The MJF has made a remarkable impact by opening doors for more people of colour to attend top brewing schools, helping to shape the future of our industry.”
Webster insisted that "to combine this brewing milestone with the opportunity to support such an important cause makes it all the more meaningful" and highlighted how the beer was "vital" while still honouring history and tradition.
Describing the Burton Union Set and the resulting beer he has brewed upon it, Oliver said: “I’m 36 years into my brewing career, and yet this still counts as one of the most personally significant beers I’ve had the opportunity to brew. My journey into brewing started with British cask beers at the pub, and to brew on this singular and wondrous beast is a great privilege.”
Webster told db: “We’re incredibly proud to support this vital initiative while also honouring brewing history through the use of our traditional Burton Union system to create an historic style.”
Last year, Carlsberg and Brooklyn Brewery released a beer that used 100% Fonio grains, without any bittering hops or barley while UK brewery Brewgooder also joined the trend for promoting beers made from Fonio grain, creating a supply chain for the product.
To try the new Mild, beer fans will need to seek it out in Thornbridge bars or via a selection of the best freehouses around the UK.
The release, which sees Brooklyn Brewery brewmaster Garrett Oliver collaborating with Thornbridge Brewery to create a beer brewed on the world’s only operational Burton Union set to support The Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing and Distilling (MJF) combines both the traditional and the progressive.
The limited-edition 5.5% ABV Strong Dark Mild beer has been brewed using Maris Otter, premium Crystal and Chocolate malts as well as West African Fonio in the grain mix and has been made on the Burton Union Set which in 2024 Oliver was instrumental in helping to save from extinction. All of the proceeds from the beer's release will also benefit the MJF, helping new brewers develop their careers.
Fonio is an African heritage grain which most closely resembles a cross between couscous and quinoa in both appearance and texture. It has been dubbed a superfood, as well as Africa’s “forgotten crop”, and is a vital resource for farmers in the western parts of the continent where other grains like wheat are scarce. Fonio also thrives in poor soils and is a drought resistant crop, meaning it offers some strong sustainability credentials.
Looking at the method for which the new beer has been brewed combines this progressive crop with a touch of historic tradition, making this beer a rare result indeed. This is because, last year, Oliver also played a pivotal role in assisting Thornbridge with the rescue and restoration of the renowned Burton Union Set - a legendary system once central to British brewing which is now operational at Thornbridge’s brewery in Bakewell and stands as the sole functioning example of its kind anywhere in the world.
Since its installation, Thornbridge has used the Union to explore heritage styles and collaborations, however this new release marks the first beer brewed on the system with Oliver himself and has helped create a beer with “complex layers of caramel and richness”.
In addition to its historical and technical significance, the collaboration supports a vital cause. Oliver founded The MJF, a non-profit organisation that funds technical education and career advancement for people of colour in the brewing and distilling industries. This means that for every pint and can of this beer sold, 10p will be donated to the foundation.
Oliver recently won the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Drinks Business Awards and over the years has championed sustainability, education, and equity across the drinks world. From The Brewmaster’s Table to The Oxford Companion to Beer, his words have become foundational texts, changing how the world talks about what’s in the glass.
Speaking to the drinks business, Thornbridge Brewery co-founder and CEO Simon Webster said: “The MJF has made a remarkable impact by opening doors for more people of colour to attend top brewing schools, helping to shape the future of our industry.”
Webster insisted that "to combine this brewing milestone with the opportunity to support such an important cause makes it all the more meaningful" and highlighted how the beer was "vital" while still honouring history and tradition.
Describing the Burton Union Set and the resulting beer he has brewed upon it, Oliver said: “I’m 36 years into my brewing career, and yet this still counts as one of the most personally significant beers I’ve had the opportunity to brew. My journey into brewing started with British cask beers at the pub, and to brew on this singular and wondrous beast is a great privilege.”
Webster told db: “We’re incredibly proud to support this vital initiative while also honouring brewing history through the use of our traditional Burton Union system to create an historic style.”
Last year, Carlsberg and Brooklyn Brewery released a beer that used 100% Fonio grains, without any bittering hops or barley while UK brewery Brewgooder also joined the trend for promoting beers made from Fonio grain, creating a supply chain for the product.
To try the new Mild, beer fans will need to seek it out in Thornbridge bars or via a selection of the best freehouses around the UK. 
