I have tried Marston's Pedigree quite numerous times actually, both on taps or in bottles, and I must admit that I was usually not very impressed although the "glorious" history and background of pale ale being brewed in Burton-on-Trent, UK. In its website, the pale ale is claimed to be the official beer of England (since it is a sponsor of the English Cricket Board), and it always praises the importance of the using of Burton spring water and the unique union cask system (fermentation of ale still takes place in oak casks!).
But comes down to actual drinking, I find Pedigree not as "sharp" or "tasty" as London Pride (which is classified as Best Bitter in Protz's book. Difference of bitter and best bitter may be seen as between lager and premium lager, vaguely in terms of alcohol strength). Today, I try to find out how those two beer styles differ actually.
I had an idea of blind tasting and comparing when I was drinking my pint of bottled Pedigree (pale ale 5%). So I poured for myself another pint of bottled London Pride (best bitter 4.7%). Thanks to the assistance of my best mate, I just closed my eyes and drank from one of the glass handed to me in the first place, followed by the other one later. Obviously I recognized the taste of London Pride immediately, but the point of the tasting is on grasping more accurately what those beer really taste like. I draw the comparison as follows:
colour body refreshness sweetness maltiness
(full or watery) (pilsner as (just like fruity (degree of
benchmark 100) vs dry wine) substance)
Pedigree (classic pale ale): pale amber medium 80 medium dry malty
London Pride (typical best bitter): golden medium to full 50 fruity malty
I have to disclaim in the first place: the above assessment is totally subjective and not scientific, but it gives my own answer to my question as mentioned in the headline.
And this comparison is also consistent with my preference on wine styles: I prefer "fruity" Italian wine to "dry" French wine.
I have not imagined more thorough and in-depth study on beer styles and their corresponding brewing science will give me such joy in beer drinking. From Protz's book, he tells you the major differences between Pale Ale and Bitter are:
(1) Pale Ale bears a longer history of brewing (i.e. it predates bitter);
(2) Crystal malt is an essential component of bitter. It is stewed malt made by a process similar to making toffee that turns the starch inside each kernel of malt into crystallised sugar.
But that explanation don't give you any concrete substance, right? You have to acquire the difference by yourself. Cheers!
About the beer
Marston's Pedigree
Source: Marston's Brewery, Burton-on-Trent
Strength: 5%ABV
Style: Pale Ale
Rating (out of 10): 9
(from the brewery's website)
Pedigree is available in draught, bottle and can versions. All of Marston's Pedigree™ is brewed at our brewery at Burton upon Trent, using our spring water, the finest ingredients and our unique Union system.
Last but not least, I am beginning to appreciate the style of pale ale and like this classic Pedigree more and more!
