Bass Brewery, Historic brewery in Burton-upon-Trent, England
Bass Brewery is a brewing facility in Burton-upon-Trent, England, occupying roughly 145 acres (59 hectares) and producing a range of beer styles using both traditional and contemporary methods. The site combines historic brewing techniques with modern production systems to create its beer portfolio.
William Bass founded the operation in 1777, and by 1877 it had grown to become the largest brewery in the world, producing one million barrels each year. The site expanded continuously over the decades, cementing Burton-upon-Trent as a major center of beer production.
The red triangle became the first registered trademark in the United Kingdom in 1876, securing its place in commercial history. Édouard Manet immortalized this symbol in his painting "A Bar at the Folies-Bergère", making it recognized beyond the world of brewing.
Bass Pale Ale continues to be brewed under contract by Marston's in Burton for AB InBev, while bottled versions are filled at the Samlesbury facility. Production is split across multiple sites to handle different formats and distribution channels.
The RMS Titanic carried 500 cases of this ale on its final voyage, and nine bottles were recovered during exploration dives in the 1990s. These bottles now stand as testimony to the brand's reach at the start of the 20th century.
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