17th October - Burton Auction and Bottle Swap

This was the inaugural get together for a subset of fellow members of the Midlands CBA. Early meetings of the CBA had included a chance to swap bottles but this practice was discontinued due to a range of issues not least of which was carrying them around the various pubs after the meeting. Whilst we do taste beers at the CBA meetings, it is often difficult to get an overall impression based on a small sample and it was felt better to experience a full pint and report back. Also taking the beers away for later sampling removes the problem of others' comments affecting one's own judgement. More details on the beers I'm judging (if that's the word - its not a competition after all) will follow in later entries.

On to the rest of the day.

The main reason for choosing this date was that it coincided with the national breweriana auction. I chose to arrive even earlier and sample the breakfast in Big Macs café. Choosing the Brunch option at £4 plus a large mug of tea at 70p appeared the best option and indeed filled the gap well (must try the monster option at some stage.)

On to the auction arriving shortly before viewing was due to commence and a quick tour in exchange for the £2.50 catalogue was in order. A large range of lots was on offer but nothing that fitted the joint requirements of (1) being desirable and (2) easily transportable on the train.

Time to meet up and arriving shortly before opening at the Devonshire I was met by Mike and thence the others. Inside beers sampled were Burton Bridge Porter (makes a change for me in Burton!) followed by their Golden Delicious.

We also discussed various beer related matters (see to do section at end.)

We then moved on to the Coopers where I had time to sample Tatttnang Red from
Downton.

I off-loaded (sold) the auction catalogue to a colleague and time to go to start the process of watching some paint dry.

To do

1) Ernie - what's the name of the olde worlde pub near Ashbourne - Answer Yew Tree At Cauldon (ST10 3EJ)

2) Also for Ernie - list of pubs in Walking distance of Burton railway station.

3) Identify dates for similar event in February (Saturday) for Greg