Real Ale as Cartoon Characters

Finding your perfect drinking partner

According to the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), finding the right beer style for you is much like trying to find the perfect drinking partner, so it has come up with the novel idea of creating some characters that best describe traditional British beers.

Leeds-based illustrator Christine Joplin has created some quirky cartoon characters that represent Mild, Light Bitter, Porters, Stouts and Old Ales – five of the most traditional and flavoursome beer styles.

The Characters:

CHARACTER OF A DARK MILD: Usually tall, dark and mysterious. Smooth, suave and effortlessly tasteful. To see the image click Mild

CHARACTER OF A LIGHT BITTER: Blonde and bright, refreshing lively while being cool and easygoing. Fun and feisty company. To see the image click Light Bitter

CHARACTER OF OLD ALE: Demands respect, Old Ale is formidable but friendly, mature but robust. To see the image click Old Ale

CHARACTER OF PORTER AND STOUT: These are distinguished dudes with smooth characters. Recognisable by their rich dark bodies and thick creamy heads. To see the image click Porter& Stout

CAMRA Press Officer Owen Morris said: “The superb versatility of British beer means that there is a style to suit everyone. However people that are new to real ale may not know what to expect. These cartoon characters are fun and also provide an insight into what to expect from the beer.

“Arouse your interest with a smooth and mysterious dark mild, or find favour in a fun and feisty light bitter. Become engrossed in a formidable old ale, or relax with smooth stout and porter. Whatever your character, there is a beer style to match.”

CAMRA has produced posters, leaflets and pump clip crowners featuring the characters so that licensees can advertise the beers in their pubs. Promotional material is available to order from CAMRA by contacting cressida.feiler@camra.org.uk or calling 01727 867201.

From CAMRA press release dated 30/05/07.