By Chrissie Woodward, Staffordshire Living
There’s something particularly fitting about celebrating a city’s centenary with a pint of locally brewed ale. Last Friday, Staffordshire Living had the privilege of attending the ceremonial first pour of Titanic Brewery’s Century Anniversary Ale at the historic Bulls Head in Burslem, an event that perfectly captured the spirit of Stoke-on-Trent’s rich heritage and bright future.
As the historic first pint was drawn, there was a palpable sense of occasion in the air. This wasn’t just any beer launch – this was a carefully crafted amber ale designed to evoke the traditional brews that would have quenched the thirst of pottery workers in the 19th century. At 4.7% ABV, it strikes a perfect balance between historical authenticity and modern palates.
“We wanted to create something that pays homage to our industrial past while celebrating our present,” explained Dave Bott, Titanic Brewery Director, as he proudly showcased the new pump clip alongside The Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Lyn Sharpe. “This beer is as much about Stoke-on-Trent’s history as it is about its future.”
The iconic bottle kiln imagery adorning the pump clips and labels serves as a poignant reminder of the skyline that has defined The Potteries for generations. Each sip of this amber nectar feels like a journey through time – robust but approachable, with a depth that speaks to the city’s industrial backbone.
The Lord Mayor, herself a former tour guide at Titanic Brewery until 2024, shared her enthusiasm for the project. “There’s something magical about the brewing process,” she remarked while sampling the first official pint. “Taking simple ingredients and transforming them into something that brings communities together – it’s a perfect metaphor for what our city has achieved over the past century.”
Indeed, community is at the heart of this initiative. A portion of proceeds from every sale will support the Titanic Brewery Foundation, which aids local charities across the region. It’s a fitting approach for a brewery that has been a Stoke-on-Trent institution for 40 years, celebrating its own milestone alongside the city’s centenary.
The Bulls Head provided the perfect backdrop for this momentous occasion – a traditional Burslem pub where generations of pottery workers have found respite after long days at the kilns. As locals and dignitaries gathered to taste the new brew, conversations flowed as freely as the ale itself, with many noting its smooth character and subtle complexity.
“You can taste the heritage,” remarked one enthusiastic patron, raising his glass. “It’s got substance – just like our city.”
Century Anniversary Ale is now available in bottles, cans, and on cask in pubs throughout Staffordshire, allowing residents and visitors alike to raise a glass to 100 remarkable years of Stoke-on-Trent. If you’re looking to toast the centenary in authentic Potteries style, we can think of no finer way to do it.
