Russia Restricts British Ale Imports but Continues to Admit Porter

In 1822, Russia imposed import restrictions that barred British ale while continuing to admit porter. The distinction sharply affected Burton brewers, whose strong ale had been sold to the Baltic market, while London porter exporters retained access to Russia. Wilson and Allsopp’s response survives in a circular reproduced in John Stevenson Bushnan’s 1853 history of Burton brewing. It offered the British public strong pale ale originally brewed for Russia at a reduced price of two shillings and sixpence per gallon. The notice records a practical consequence of the restriction: beer prepared for export was redirected toward customers at home.