It’s not long until Dorchester Beerex now, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the West Dorset branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).
Danny England of Cerne Abbas Brewery at a previous Beerex. Photograph: Rich Gabe
The event, organised in association with Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club, returns to the Corn Exchange over the weekend of 6th and 7th February.
Dorset brewers have been busy brewing one-off ales, marking the CAMRA anniversary, which will feature among the 84 cask conditioned real ales on offer. There will also be more than 20 traditional ciders and perries.
Cerne Abbas Brewery is, once again, the main sponsor, with brews this year including the celebratory Gurt 50th, and Ale To The Chief, in tribute to Victor (Vic) Irvine, original partner in and brewer at Cerne Abbas.
From further afield, the Weymouth Octoberfest overall winner, Cowella from Ampersand Brewery, makes a welcome return, and Leatherbritches will be supplying Scoundrel, a porter from Leicestershire. Loch Lomond Brewery will provide their 80 Shilling bitter, while from Wales, Grey Trees will supply Drummer Boy in honour of the late Stereophonics drummer Stuart Cable.
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For cider drinkers, there will be a selection of all styles, including Dorset producer Isaac from Beaminster’s 5% ABV Anti-Gravity, Somerset’s Harry’s Flash Mango & Lime, and Dorset Nectar’s Pineapple Lane. From Kent, Dudda’s Tun will be providing a blackberry cider, while Sussex producer Big Nose & Beardy will be supplying 7% ABV Ugly Dog.
“Everything is coming along nicely, and we can’t wait to welcome you all on the Beerex weekend,” said West Dorset CAMRA chairman Bruce Mead.
“Having been to many festivals, I can honestly say that this year’s selection of beer and cider is one of the best I have ever seen; something for everyone.
“I would like to thank all of the volunteer staff over the weekend who make this marvellous event possible.”
The festival has always raised funds for local good causes, and this year the main charity beneficiary will be People First Dorset, empowering people with learning disabilities.
Find out more and buy tickets here.
