Guinness World Record breaking ale tasting at The Oast House

So today everyone, I was a part of history. That’s right. I was part of the Guinness World Record breaking ale tasting at The Oast House, Spinningfields, Manchester.

I and over 350 others were taking part in the largest ale-tasting ever! And we smashed it! There had to be the most participants tasting ale at the same time to break the previous record and with the sun-shining and 3 different ales, courtesy of Phoenix Brewery, it was not an unpleasant experience. I did my bit and joined-in (like to help the cause where I can), along with my friend Ben.

The tasting began at 6pm, with running commentary and tasting notes from the host on stage. We were all sat outside on The Oast House courtyard, enjoying the evening sun and soaking-up the atmosphere. We were handed a beer carrier each, holding 3 different samples of ale: Wobbly Bob ‘Legendary ale’, West Coast I.P.A ‘Rich pale ale’ and Arizona ‘Dry as a desert’. Once it was announced that the record attempt had begun, we were talked through each sample as we sipped along.

We went from a light, blonde and citrusy ale – to a biscuity ale with caramel tones. Can’t you tell how much we’re enjoying our ales? (I had no idea, but I enjoyed it!).

Approximately 10 minutes later, our Guinness World Record breaking ale tasting attempt was over (what a mouthful!). We were left for 5 minutes to stew on whether the world record had been broken. Then the Official Adjudicator climbed on stage, looking very official, to make the announcement. We were on tenterhooks (sort-of). Taking note from the official witnesses and the number of people attending, he confirmed that we had indeed broken the Guinness World record! The crowd roared (well jovially clapped anyway) and we all smiled a satisfied smile at one other. Job well done.