The Golden Age of UK brewing

1880 to 1914. Let's get that out of the way at the start. No need to build up any artificial tension.

I'm going to present the arguments for it being the Golden Age. Do I really believe it was? Sort of. And I certainly wouldn't be unhappy if a local pub starting selling a beer range from the period. But I'm still reluctant to unequivocally state that it was the best ever period. I'm sure many would disagree.

The points in favour:

1. A wide range of strengths was available.

While average strength was over 5% ABV, there were beers that were significantly weaker. Down as low as 2,5% to 3%, at least in some parts of the country. And, at the other end, there were beers as strong as 11% ABV. And plenty of 8% ABV and more.

2. A wide range of styles was available. 

In an Edwardian London pub, for example, the following draught beers were available:

X Ale Mild
Porter
Pale Ale
Stout
Burton Ale
Strong Burton Ale (in the winter)

Then you had the bottled beers. There was an explosion in the types of bottled beer at the end of the 19th century. New bottling techniques, which allowed the production of non-deposit beer, prompted a massive growth in lighter types of bottled beers. Things like Luncheon Ale, Luncheon Stout, Nourishing Stout and the like.

Most pubs would also stock some of the the few national brands in bottle. Guinness Double Stout or Bass Pale Ale. Classy, relatively expensive beers.

3. Beers were generally of a good technical quality. By the end of the 19th-century, UK breweries were mostly pretty modern and able to produce beer that was bright and free of infection. A century of technical advances left most UK breweries with fairly decent kit. Especialkly the larger ones. 

4.  Adulteration was mostly a thing of the past. The introduction of local health inspectors in the 1870s saw to that. About the only form left was watering beer down. A practice which was still rife in some regions in the 1950s.

5. Large regional variation. Each are of the country retained its own particular take on the styles of the day. With variations in colour, hopping rate, ingredients and degree of attenuation. Travelling around the country would have been great fun.

I can't really think of any negative points. Other than watering. And that was present in pretty much any period you care to pick. 

Which other periods could I have picked? You might have expected me to go for the 1970s, when I started drinking. But I can remember all the bad points. Lots of dreadful keg beer, badly-kept cask beer and a very limited variety of beers on draught.

I'm sure that some will argue that the 2000s or 2010s were a golden age. Well, maybe if you like evil keg.Or IPA. It didn't do it for me.

Be sure to share your thoughts. When was the Golden Age of UK brewing?