The Union Sets - Rarity, Intrigue and a Mixed Future
Have you heard the story of The Union Sets?
If not... grab a beer, find a comfy spot and listen as my guest - beer writer Laura Hadland - tells this incredible tale. She's right at the heart of the story herself and even had a pint of the last ever Martson's Pedigree batch brewed on them.
As well as the Union Sets, in this episode we talk sustainable breweries, the saga of The Crooked House, what "cellar temperature" means and why it's important, plus some amazing recommendations for beers to drink and places to experience at Christmas and into 2026.
So, about these Union Sets...
The Unions Sets is a term for a system of barrels and troughs that allow a re-circulation of yeast foam and beer in the brewing of cask ale. Invented in a bygone era, they were first an economical innovation, then developed an almost legendary reputation for imparting a certain unique and desirable taste-profile... before gradually being abandoned for cost reasons.
With an almost holy-grail aura amongst cask ale lovers, there are now only 2 remaining functioning union sets in existence... and one of them is now locked up in the remains of a closed-down brewery.
But the other... it has found a home at Thornbridge, and you can buy beer made on it.
Thanks to Laura for being a fantastic guest, here's the link to everything Laura...
https://linktr.ee/LauraHadland
And if you want to see the Union Sets in action, have a look at this (https://thornbridgebrewery.co.uk/pages/union?srsltid=AfmBOor8qskfEGRKYPktNU434cdjpxtZLOpYnRZAyW7wgroClr_E_HL0)...
Thanks for supporting Nant Fawr Brews in 2025, we'll be back for more in 2026!
Note - credit for photo of Union Set on episode artwork is Thornbridge Brewery
17 Oct 2025
Pubs For All Seasons... and all people (with Adrian Tierney-Jones)
Beer writer Adrian Tierney-Jones talks everything from how pubs change through the seasons, to why pubs need to be more welcoming to everyone, to the joys of drinking (and writing) alone... plus the ultimate European beer tour itinerary.
This a lovely warm meandering chat, which perfectly matches the unique charm of Adrian's new book 'A Pub For All Seasons' which is out now.
Find it in good independent bookshops, but if you end up buying from Amazon (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pub-All-Seasons-Yearlong-Journey/dp/1035404486/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PHIYFSVYNSQZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8h8mXeUV0n983eP7UsvuHJKMEgto5XEaY36-JEwMaT_GjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.4Fcb_Ef186bFqGF18_7491X0pY1JJhjFeI7QOaqHCz0&dib_tag=se&keywords=a+pub+for+all+seasons&qid=1760530661&sprefix=%2Caps%2C100&sr=8-1), make sure you leave a review because that will help Adrian spread the word about the book.
This episode is dedicated to previous Nant Fawr Brews guest Martyn Cornell, who sadly passed away in June.
14 Mar 2025
Porter - Myths, History and Mass Popularity
Porter is a fantastic beer style. Dark, tasty... and never far away from a story (many of which may not be accurate!). Even the name itself - Porter - is often misunderstood (listen to the episode to understand why).
Joining me on this episode is beer writer Martyn Cornell who has written many excellent books on beer, plus is the creative force behind the incredible Zythophile blog (where you will get happily lost in hours and hours of beer knowledge, history and research).
Martyn knows his Porter. In fact in June he's publishing a new book (https://zythophile.co.uk/2025/02/22/porter-and-stout-the-complete-history-will-be-published-on-june-4/) all about it! In this episode he shares his vast knowledge. For example, did you know that at one stage Porter was as popular as lager is today?
Martyn is a very effective beer historian and researcher and he loves to find out the real truth behind what we might think are well-known beer facts from history... but often don't add up.
This episode focuses on Porter as a style, and reveals so many fascinating stories from its history, but we also talk more widely about beer writing, beer history and home brewing.
Buy a Porter and enjoy it while you listen!
Check out Martyn's amazing blog:
zythophile.co.uk (https://zythophile.co.uk)
...and also his brilliant books:
Around The World in 80 Beers (https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Around-the-World-in-80-Beers-A-Global-History-of-Brewing-Hardback/p/49437)
and
Amber, Gold & Black (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Amber-Gold-and-Black-ebook/dp/B006ZNECZA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361694483&sr=8-1)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 41 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
57
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
60
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