The beauty of Free Beer, and how to get some!

There's a strong rumour circulating that the powers that be over at The World Beer Cup have their eyes firmly fixed on the future. Way back in the dim distant past, or at least 1996, the good Judges issued awards in 61 Style Categories, even 2002 could only offer a seemingly lightweight 76 Style Categories. Fast forward to this year and they're closing in on the Holy Grail of 100 Style Categories. Yes just five to go and that goal will be reached. What's more they've already decided on number 100

Many beer drinkers consider this to be a myth, however, it has been confirmed that this style of beer is not only a reality but, according to some, is ubiquitous.
So what do we know of this style of beer?

1,      it looks great.
2,      it smells great
3,      it tastes great
4,      it's free
5,      you can always drink more


I have heard that some discerning beer drinkers will even drink Carling if it's free. But there's no accounting for discerning beer drinkers with dead palates.

If you're interested in sampling some free beer at GBBF all you need to do is to identify the brewer from the responses to a few questions I asked them.
There will be several sets of responses posted in the run up to GBBF so keep watching this blog.

We'll start with an easy one.

            Which Brewer do you admire...?

of the previous crop, Reg Drury and Ken Don had the greatest influence over me. Most of the micro brewers I admire seem to work as teams rather than individuals. I do like the work Roger has done at St Austell and I even admire some of the things Brewdog have done (unpasteurised cans very brave!). However the greatest individual working in brewing today is Peter Eells of Timothy Taylor

            Favourite British Brewery...? (apart from where you are now)

My favourite is always changing because new beers appear and capture your taste buds. I have great affection for Marble and Hardknott . I have many friends at other breweries whose beer I always look out for. When Oscar Wilde Mild won GBBF last year I thought good for John Boyce who I have known for years.

            Favourite overseas Brewery...?

I think now it is Firestone Walker because they make great beer and are nice people.

            What's the next big thing...?

The next big thing will be unfiltered beer in keg!

            If you weren't a brewer you'd be a...?

A history teacher- too many people like to claim innovations when it is merely an extension of lessons from the past.

            Does consistency of flavour matter...?

Consistency matters because drinkers need to recognise the beer they drink. However consistency needs to be balanced with character which is the ability of the beer to make you think about its flavour

            Michael Jackson always denied that he had a favourite beer, but said if you asked him what his final beer would be as he faced the firing squad it would be...?

Michael liked Chiswick whenever I drank with him however I think he might have liked a wee dram too.

            And what would your final beer be...? (again not one of your own!)

I guess it would be a pint of Boddingtons circa 1974

            If it were possible, which Brewery/Brewer would you consider doing a collaboration beer             with...?

My next collaboration should be with a London brewer but I have a desire to brew in Australia

            If you were to give one piece of advice to an aspiring Brewer it would be...?

Learn the technical things ASAP and at an early age. Taste and wisdom will appear magically later

            What do you do to relax...?

I listen to music and read but my job is generally relaxing

            Favourite musicians...?

I think Ornette Coleman is an inspiration to us all. I would like to take Mark E Smith as a role model especially when I have meeting with accountants

            TV, Cinema, Concert or Theatre...?

I love going to concerts and have a wide taste in music.

            Favourite holiday destination...?

I don’t really go on holiday but then again every day is a holiday to me.

First correct response gets a Free Beer at GBBF from me. And I'm there all day every day.