Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

Ale Trails Point The Way To A Perfect Pint

For real ale lovers, the quest for a perfect pint just got a whole lot easier.

A series of 26 regional guides incorporating more than 4,000 different pubs have been published this week by real ale quality assessor Cask Marque.

Called Ale Trails, the guides only list local pubs where the beer has been independently verified by an industry expert for its serving temperature, appearance, aroma and taste.

Copies are available over the bar at featured pubs or online (www.cask-marque.co.uk).

Paul Nunny, director of Cask Marque, said: “Cask conditioned ale is unique to British pubs and our organisation exists to make sure publicans are storing and serving their ales correctly.

“Our team of assessors visit pubs, always unannounced, to carefully check the various ales on sale. Those that make the grade receive the coveted Cask Marque plaque, which they can put on display to use for customers as a guarantee of quality.”

Since Cask Marque’s foundation nine years ago, Paul and his team of intrepid ‘beer inspectors’ have amassed information on 1000's of heavenly hostelries, which they want to share with the nation’s pub goers.

Paul said: “The Ale Trails promote all Cask Marque accredited pubs across the country so people in search of a quality checked pint knows exactly where to go.

“They can also check our full listings online or send us a text message with a postcode and we’ll reply with the addresses of their nearest outlets.

“Quality counts when you drink cask ale, as anyone who has ever had a bad pint will testify. It is well worth using the Ale Trail to find a local pub you can trust to get things just right.”


Notes to editors:

What to look for in the perfect pint of ale:
- A spotlessly clean glass
- Good clarity in the beer
- A fresh aroma, not acidic or musty
- The right serving temperature, 11-13˚C
- A cool, refreshing aftertaste

Feature opportunity:
Pubs wishing to join the accreditation scheme need to have their beer quality checked by a Cask Marque beer inspector.

Beer inspectors are quite literally paid to drink beer in pursuit of real ale excellence, which is one of the reasons a survey for Men’s Health magazine voted it among the top ten best jobs in Britain.

We can arrange for you to spend a ‘day in the life of…’ a beer inspector and visit a local pub for some hands-on experience. Contact Seal Communications for further information.

Text messaging:
Text ‘Cask’ followed by a full stop then your location to 83211 (eg Cask.B31JH).

Cask Marque will text you back with details of the nearest two accredited pubs. Texts cost 25p plus the standard operator rate.

For further info please contact Nick Trueman or Oliver Du Croz at Seal Communications on 0121 200 0780 / nicktrueman@sealcommunications.co.uk