Society for the Preservation of Beers from the Wood

Logo_of_The_Society_for_the_Preservation_of_Beers_from_the_Wood

Society for the Preservation of Beers from the Wood (SPBW) is a voluntary, consumer organization that was founded in the United Kingdom in 1963. The society is dedicated to promoting and preserving the traditional methods of brewing and serving beer, particularly the use of wooden casks.

History

The SPBW was established on December 6, 1963, by seven beer enthusiasts who were disillusioned with the increasing use of metal casks and the decline in the quality of beer. The founding members met at the Rising Sun pub in Euston, London, and decided to form a society that would advocate for the preservation of traditional beer-serving methods.

Objectives

The primary objective of the SPBW is to promote the use of wooden casks for the storage and serving of beer. The society believes that beer served from wooden casks has a unique flavor and character that cannot be replicated by modern metal casks. The SPBW also aims to support traditional brewing methods and to encourage the production of high-quality, cask-conditioned ales.

Activities

The SPBW organizes various events and activities to promote its objectives, including:

• **Beer festivals**: The society hosts and participates in beer festivals where beers served from wooden casks are featured.
• **Pub of the Year**: An annual award given to pubs that excel in serving traditional cask-conditioned ales.
• **Campaigns**: The SPBW runs campaigns to raise awareness about the benefits of wooden casks and to encourage breweries to use them.

Membership

Membership in the SPBW is open to anyone who shares the society's passion for traditional beer. Members receive a quarterly magazine, "Pint in Hand," which includes news, articles, and information about upcoming events. The society also has regional branches that organize local events and activities.

Relationship with CAMRA

The SPBW is often compared to the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), another UK-based consumer organization that advocates for traditional beer. While both organizations share similar goals, the SPBW specifically focuses on the use of wooden casks, whereas CAMRA has a broader focus on real ale in general.

See also

• Real ale
• Cask ale
• Beer in the United Kingdom
• Campaign for Real Ale