Beer writer Roger Protz is getting ready to lead a series of virtual tastings featuring beers from his new book, The Family Brewers of Britain. 

Protz Family Brewers

Building on the success of the book, published in September by the Campaign for Real Ale, there will be three dates for the tastings, focusing on six beers specially selected by Roger and sourced from some of Britain’s historic family brewers.  

Alongside tasting the brews, Roger will explain the fascinating and sometimes fractious history of these brewers, and their impact on Britain’s beer scene today. He will be joined by special guests representing some of the breweries that are featured in the book throughout the talk. 

Featured beers

  • Tally Ho from Adnams 
  • Rosey Nosey from Batemans  
  • House Ale from Traquair 
  • India Pale Ale from Shepherd Neame 
  • Imperial Stout from Harvey’s Brewery 
  • Old Tom from Robinsons Brewery

The tastings will be taking place via Zoom at 7pm on 27th November, 4th December and 11th December. Tickets are £35 for CAMRA members (£40 for non-members), with costs including the supply and delivery of the box of six beers. Due to popular demand, the first session on 27th November has already sold out. 

Attendees can order a copy of The Family Brewers of Britain with their ticket at a 30% discount. The book has been hailed as “beautifully done” and a “historical record” of UK brewing. It has sold more than 1,300 copies and is set to be one of the defining books recording Britain’s brewing history, while looking towards the future. 

Roger Protz

Roger Protz is a campaigner, broadcaster, and author of dozens of books about beer and brewing. He regularly appears in the media and has edited 24 editions of CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide. He said: “I am looking forward to bringing The Family Brewers of Britain to life via these tasting sessions, and giving participants the chance to try some staple brews from a few of the featured brewers. 

“This country’s family brewers are often-overlooked flag bearers for real ale and have fascinating stories to tell. Many have been around for hundreds of years, surviving wars, bomb damage, recession, threats of invasion, taxation, and mergers, and have come out the other side as the sturdy backbone of traditional beer in this country.  

“I am delighted that the book has been received so well, and I am excited to spend three evenings sampling, discussing and enjoying beers from just a few of the historic and iconic breweries featured in the book.” 

• To learn more and to purchase a ticket, visit camra.org.uk/online-tastings-with-camra/