All pubs in Halifax and Calderdale, whether selling real ale or not, are visited annually and the Branch compile a list from those found to serve a consistently good pint of real ale.  Pubs can be added upon the recommendation of branch members or deleted as a result of changes in beer quality..

Pubs on the list are visited regularly and the beers scored on a scale of 0-5, where 0 is Undrinkable, 1 Poor, 2 Average, 3 Good, 4 Very Good, and 5 Excellent. We try to judge the quality and condition of the beer rather than whether we like its particular inherent flavour or not. When a beer is returned to the bar as undrinkable and is exchanged in good grace and the beer taken off (e.g.. The pump clip removed or turned back), a 0 score is not usually recorded. Should you witness more of that beer being dispensed to another customer, the 0 score would be recorded. Marking is of course largely a subjective thing, and different people may be considered hard or soft markers by others in the branch, but after a while you will find your own level and variations will average out over many tastings. 

From the amalgamated scores over a year, pubs for entry into the Good Beer Guide are selected. 

This is one of the key jobs of the branch and one in which every member of the branch can make a worthwhile contribution. The current list is mailed to all branch members, whether active in attending meetings or socials or otherwise – so do your bit and return them!  If you want some advice on how to score the beers, come along to any of our events. You can now enter your scores using our electronic scoring sheet below -