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Pedigree

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Pedigree is the beer most drinkers mean when they say Marston's, an amber ale of moderate strength from Burton upon Trent. The brewery describes a palate of biscuity malt, spicy hops and a light fruitiness, and places bitterness and sweetness level at the midpoint of its own scale. Taken together that reads as a malt-led, evenly balanced beer in which the hops contribute spice.

ABV
4.5%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter
Malt-forward bitterness
SRM
amber12
PaceA Few

AWARDS

Gold · 2019
World Beer Awards
Pale Beer: Amber (incl. Irish Reds)
★Gold — World Beer Awards (Pale Beer: Amber (incl. Irish Reds))
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
maltyspicyspicy hop
malty
spicy
spicy hop
bready
fruity
hoppy
Aroma
The nose leads with biscuity malt character and subtle spice from traditional English hops.
also:caramel
not found:juicy,roasted,clean,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Pedigree

◎ Appearance

Pedigree presents a warm amber hue with good clarity and a fine, persistent head that leaves delicate lacing on the glass. The carbonation is moderate and well-integrated, creating a composed and inviting presentation. The color sits comfortably in the mid-range of the amber spectrum, reflecting the moderate crystal malt content.

warm amberclearfine lacingmoderate carbonation

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with biscuity malt character and subtle spice from traditional English hops. A light fruity undertone—suggesting stone fruit and gentle esters—emerges beneath the grain-forward foundation. The overall aromatic profile is restrained and balanced, inviting without aggressive intensity.

biscuit maltspicy hopslight stone fruitsubtle esters

◐ Taste

The palate enters with malt-driven sweetness and breadiness, providing a solid malty base. Mid-palate reveals the interplay of bitterness and residual sweetness positioned at equilibrium, with spicy hop notes threading through without dominating. A light caramel note and smooth texture complete the balanced profile, allowing both grain and hops their voice.

malt-drivenbalanced bitternessspicy hop profilesmooth mouthfeel

◑ Finish

The finish is medium in length, with lingering malt sweetness and a gentle spicy hop bite that gradually recedes. The aftertaste remains clean and dry, without harsh or cloying notes.

medium finishmalt persistencespicy fade
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
76
Taste
79
Appearance
77
Finish
76
Serve at 8–11°C

Serve at 8–11°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Pint glass

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Pedigree

More from Marston's Brewery

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Old Empire
English IPA
5.7% · 35 IBU
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About Amber Ale

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Amber Ale?

Amber Ales have 4.5–6.2% ABV and IBU 25–40. Caramel malt sweetness balanced by moderate hop bitterness, a reddish-amber colour and smooth finish.

Finding a similar Amber Ale

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same malty, spicy, spicy-hop character as Pedigree will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Other Amber Ales in hopIQ

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