CAMRA finds 42% of stouts, old ales and porters lost since 2000
Britain’s Campaign for Real Ale has launched a campaign to show beers have personalities and save three styles that appear endangered.
Illustrator Christine Joplin created quirky cartoon characters that represent porters, stouts and old ales – beer styles rich in history by fading in popularity.
CAMRA’s research showed that 42% of the old ales, stouts and porters varieties brewed in 2000 longer exist. CAMRA has grouped these beers styles together for this promotion because they are often referred to as winter warmers.
Tracy Saunders, chair of CAMRA’s Light and Dark Supporters Group – which campaigns specifically for Britain’s endangered beer style – said: “We often talk about the bland nationally produced brands and we wanted to show some of the characteristics of real beers.
“Stout, Porter and Old Ale are considered by many to be the most traditional of beer styles, and yet they are often misunderstood by those unfamiliar with their taste or under-represented in pubs. Drinkers are often uncertain of different beers styles so stick with what they know – but we hope that these characters will give them an insight into what they might be drinking.”
All three characters are featured on beer mats, posters and pump clip crowners unveiled at the National Winter Ales Festival in Manchester.