 REAL ale lover Tony Millington has no trouble getting up every day for work - despite having a job that could leave others feeling worse for wear. As an official beer taster, it is not the factory or the office for Tony but a trip to a Birmingham pubs each day to sup a few pints. Tony, aged 60, is a beer inspector for Cask Marque, an independent quality accreditation scheme sponsored by brewers, pubs and wholesalers to make sure pints served in the city make the grade. It may sound more like a hobby than a job, but there is a serious side to the work, according to Tony. "We're not just sampling beer, but testing it thoroughly to make sure the quality is first rate. That ways the customer always receives true value." During an accreditation Tony, who is married and lives in the beer "capital", Burton-on-Trent, will first assess the beer on sale for temperature, appearance and aroma. He then takes a few sips to check the taste.
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He said: "Inspectors need a range of skills to carry out fair and accurate assessments. Product knowledge is essential and we have our taste appreciation skills tested annually at the Brewing Research Institute." "But you also need good communication skills, a strong personality and the ability to guide licensees tactfully should they fail the assessment." In the early days of Cask Marque inspections in 1997, the pass rate was between 40 and 50 per cent, with most beers failing on temperature, but it is now around 90 per cent. He currently visits an average of 10 pubs a week throughout Birmingham and the West Midlands, always unannounced. "The job is broad and varied, which is why I love it. I get to work in an industry where everyone, from the brewers to the pub companies and publicans, is passionate about what they do." Tony has been working with Cask Marque for six years, but has an extensive experience with Carlsberg Tetley and Ind Coope in Burton. So would Tony recommend the job of beer inspector to others? "Not a chance," he says. "At least, not until I retire!" | 
