Rich Gabe, Press Officer and Social Secretary for the West Dorset branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) sends us this report:
It’s nearly time to raise a glass and toast the annual Dorchester Beerex which opens on Friday January 31st & February 1st in Dorchester’s Corn exchange. The popular sell out event now in its 36th year is organised by members of West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club. The festival is once again being sponsored by the local Cerne Abbas brewery who’s representatives will be around over the weekend for a chat and there will be opportunity to try a selection of their ales including a festival special ; 94 IPA.
Danny England of the Cerne Abbas Brewery. Photo Credit: Rich Gabe (click to enlarge)
Money raised this year will go to various good causes with the festivals primary benefactor being the Yeovil Freewheelers Blood Bikes whose volunteers’ courier vital medical supplies to hospitals within the Dorset, Somerset area.
Funds raised through the raffle will go to the Dorchester Youth & Community centre in King’s Road, Dorchester, which provides a valuable asset to the community and a place for youngsters to safely meet and take part in activities with volunteers and youth leaders.
Speaking for the Beerex committee Chair woman Gemma Scott said “The committee has been working really hard in preparation for the weekend and we all can’t wait for the weekend to arrive. The beer selection sounds fantastic and I personally can’t wait to try some”. She went on to say “This would not be possible without the donations from sponsors, the hard work from committee members and the army of volunteers, so Thank You.”
All of the beers and ciders have been ordered and customers can expect a wide selection of beers from all around the U.K. Dorset brings a rare appearance of Lyme Regis Brewery; Steady Habits, a New England style IPA usually only brewed as a keg beer, Dorchester brewer Copper St will see the return of its award winning Imperial Russian Stout alongside Wimborne brewery‘s Eight Arch with a cask version of their Quaterjack Porter. From further afield Liverpool’s Neptune brewery provides Jetty Pale Ale and even further north in Scotland beers from Brew Toon and Loch Leven to compliment Northumberland’s Metal Head brewery’s Motorhead Porter. There will be beers to suit all palates from golden bitters, traditional bitters and stouts, porters and mild’s.
If you prefer cider there will be a large selection to go alongside the 84 cask beers. All ciders are traditional and made free of concentrate. From Dorset customers will have a chance to drink Beaminster producer Isaac Cider, Alchemy and Purbeck Cider, Pirate. Herefordshire will provide Celtic Marches, Strawberry & Lime alongside Pulp Ciders, Singapore Sling. There will also be from Newton Court, Panting Partridge Perry, with over 20 ciders available from other counties including Devon’ Kent and Somerset.
Hot snacks will be available at all sessions plus a tuck shop and cloak room. A small selection of wines will also be available. There will be seating for over 100 people and live entertainment on Friday evening from local acoustic artist Jack Daniels so expect fun and interactional banter. Saturday see’s the Beerex debut of Bournemouth based covers band Bullitt who play tracks from Muse, Foo Fighters, Kings Of Leon and the Killers to name a few, expect to rock out!
The festival relies on good will from local businesses, companies and individuals through barrel sponsorship. If you would like to help and be a valuable assistance to the festival please contact the festival barrel sponsorship co-ordinator Dave Harris via 07977 918130 or through the festival website www.beerex.org.uk
Tickets for the festival are a great way to shake off the winter blues and are selling fast; so don’t miss out by leaving it too late, they are available from the following outlets, priced at £11 which includes a free pint, souvenir glass and programme which includes the full beer menu with tasting notes. Anyone wishing to join CAMRA this year will get an additional two pints and an exclusive Dorchester Beerex 2025 lapel pin badge (whilst stocks last!).
Dorchester, the Convivial Rabbit & Tom Browns
Poundbury. The Brace of Butchers.
Weymouth. The Globe Inn.
On-line. www.camrawdorset.org.uk