State of the (Cask Ale) Nation

By way of something different, I thought I would point you all to an interesting publication – the latest version of the annual Cask Report.

It is an interesting read, mainly aimed at publicans in order for them to understand the trends in current drinking with respect to cask beers.

All beer sales are down but less so in the cask beer market which seems to be at an all-time high, certainly from my experiences visiting pubs in recent years (and that is before we consider the craft beer/nu-keg movement).

Therefore this report looks to helping publicans by outlining what they can do to use cask beer to improve their business. It isn't simply a case of adding a few handpumps to the bar.

There are an unprecedented number of new breweries across the country but it has to be said though that not all of them are producing top quality beers.

This was certainly our experience at the latest Darlo beer festival - lots of new breweries but hardly any beers that you would want to have again. It isn't much fun having a local brewery if their output is no better than the likes of Greene King.

One of the most interesting things it highlights is the way in which it regards younger drinkers as being less loyal – what is calls repertoire drinking – which worries me slightly. Will they stop drinking cask as soon as the next big thing comes along?

It also suggests the those new to cask beers often look to try it as it has a retro feel about it – how’s that for making you feel old? I’ve never thought as myself as retro before though I'd accept being described as stuck in a time warp.

Not so sure I agree with one of the statements regarding cider suggesting - “it also substitutes for ale because as well as being cold and refreshing, pouring a bottle into a pint glass over ice is a slow, relaxed, seated occasion – the same as ale”. Hmmmmm.

You can download the report here.