National
Beer Scoring System
The National
Beer Scoring System (NBSS) is a 6 (0-5) point scale for judging beer quality in
pubs. It is an easy to use system that has been designed to assist branches in
selecting pubs for the Good Beer Guide and also monitor beer quality by
encouraging CAMRA members from any part of the world to report beer quality on
any pub in the
Rationale
The NBSS was
drawn up following a survey in 2001 which found that branches who had
implemented a beer-scoring system valued the information it provided. A
workshop on the subject at the National Members’ Weekend of 2002 attracted over
a 100 members and agreed that a national scoring system should be implemented
using a 0-5 point score.
What is
being recorded?
What do the
scores mean?
0
Undrinkable. No cask ale available
or so poor you have to take it back or can't finish it.
1
Poor. Beer
that is anything from barely drinkable to drinkable with
considerable resentment.
2 Average. Competently kept, drinkable pint but doesn't inspire in
any way, not worth moving to another pub but you drink the beer without really
noticing.
3
Good. Good beer in good form.
You may cancel plans to move to the next pub. You want to stay for another pint
and may seek out the beer again.
4
Very Good. Excellent
beer in excellent condition.
5
Perfect. Probably the best you
are ever likely to find. A seasoned drinker will award this score very rarely.
How often do
I complete a card?
This is down to
personal preference. You may choose to score per beer or per pub, averaging
your score for each pub visit. In the latter case, the beer name (unless you’ve
only been drinking a single beer) can be left blank.
Where
do I get the cards?
Either from CAMRA HQ or by downloading and printing this file.
What do you do with your filled in cards?
You can send the details electronically by clicking here
or if the card is for a Mid Chilterns Pub you can send it to the branch Beer Scores Officer
or if you’re not sure which branch the pub belongs to send it by post to CAMRA HQ at:
Campaign
for Real Ale
230 Hatfield Road
St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 4LW
Tel: 01727-867201