BEER NEWS - October 2008

Journos mug beer experts

A rather breathless press release reaches us about a beer tasting competition arranged by the All Bar One chain that pitted beer journalists against beer trade professionals, claiming "journalists snatch victory from the beer experts!". The journalists took on the trade, including Hedwig Neven, Duvel�s Master Brewer and Marc Stroobandt "Master Beer Sommelier" over a four round contest including a university challenge style question round, a blind tasting, a beer and food

Fuller's teaches excellence

London brewer and pub retailer, Fuller, Smith & Turner P.L.C., has announced the opening of its new training centre, aptly named the Fuller's Centre of Excellence (right). Based on a traditional pub theme, the centre, which boasts a full working cellar and bar plus classroom and conference facilities, will host courses for licensees and staff from Fuller's own pubs, and those from free trade customers and other pub groups. The new centre is already dedicated to a full programme of accredited training for managed and tenanted pubs, which includes cask and keg beer management, health and safety, product knowledge and presentation.

Great Irish Beer Festival

Beer lovers in Ireland will be excited to hear that the country's largest beer festival returns to Galway for two days - Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October. Tickets cost �15, with �3 back in 'Beer Bucks' (drink tokens). 100 platimum tickets at �30 include extra Beer Bucks and a limited edition T-shirt. On offer will be beers, ciders and ales from all over the world. Brewers, distillers and cider makers present include Hersbrucker, Svyturys, Chimay and Hoegaarden.

Wild Edric

Wild Edric was a Shropshire warrior-king who harried William the Conqueror's Norman invaders across the Welsh Marches in the 11th Century. Commemorating famous Shropshire people, local brewers Wood's has launched Wild Edric Legendary Bitter, the latest in their line of 'Heroes and Legends' beers. Co-inciding with the event, Nigel Sustins, author of a newly-published narrative poem that builds on the legend of Edric is pictured left, whilst Wood's brewer Chris Underwood is somewhere underneath the fake fur bearing a cask of the new beer. Wild Edric is a 4.3%

Pickled Partridge rides again

Pickled Partridge, Badger Brewery's seasonal ale for winter, will be launched in its new bottles in November for three months. Named after a traditional farmer's wife's recipe for partridge braised in ale, Pickled Partridge (4.6% ABV) is a dark beer with a roasted malt character and a hoppy, slightly spicy finish. "The brewing methods we use to create Pickled Partridge bring out a fuller flavour and its nutty and fruity overtones are ideal for serving with cheese platters and Christmas desserts. The rich plumage is enhanced by the generous use of crystal and chocolate malt, which are supported by the hoppy, fruity aromas. It's a perfectly plump pint for the winter months," says Rick Payne from Hall & Woodhouse.

The Brakspear Oxford Ale Trail

The 'Brakspear Oxford Ale Trail', which was launched in 2007 to highlight Oxford's 'wonderful cornucopia of pubs,' will run this year for three months between October 1st and December 31st, covering thirteen city centre pubs. Brakspear Oxford Ale Trail 'maps' are available from all participating establishments. A 'Brakspear Ale Trail' Tour T-shirt will be given free to anyone (over the age of 18) who completes their sixth stamp at the Royal Oak on the Woodstock Road; and a free celebratory pint of Brakspear Bitter awaits those completing all thirteen, poured at the 'Far from the Madding Crowd' pub in Friars Entry. Brakspear's marketing manager, Chris Keating, comments: "The Ale Trail really hit the spot last year with students, tourists and Oxford's real ale drinkers. It seems to have given an added bonus to so many of Oxford's special places and was hugely popular with those who live in the city and in surrounding towns and villages."