Beertickers: Beyond the Ale

Beertickers: Beyond the Ale is a distinct, mesmerizing, and celebrating British documentary film of 2009 that playfully voyages into the world of beer and beer brewing, exposing audiences to a unique niche of beer enthusiasts. Released under director Chris Charlton, this peculiar gem of a movie invites viewers to take a dive into the subculture of beer ticking, a hobby cherished by passionate alectrophilia across the globe, and particularly in Britain's vibrant beer scene.

The film skillfully gives a detour from average documentaries, blending humor and depth to capture its unique subject matter. The narrative of Beertickers: Beyond the Ale revolves around the often misunderstood and misrepresented non-commercial hobby of 'beerticking' or 'ale trailing'. This eccentric hobby involves enthusiasts, termed 'Beertickers', who travel across boundaries, searching for a myriad of beer to sample, log, and cherish. Documenting each beer one has sampled, information such as beer type, brewery, alcohol percentage, and personal ratings become their treasure. The more unique or obscure the ale, the more points it scores in a beerticker's enthusiastic journal.

In Beertickers: Beyond the Ale, the director ingenuously stitches together interviews, and simulated situations, and immerses audiences in this hitherto little-known world, striking a balance between description and information, laughter, and learning. The beertickers featured in the film are a captivating assortment of individuals bound by their undying enthusiasm for their extraordinary hobby. With an unquenchable thirst for discovering new beers, they narrate their journeys and experiences with extraordinary enthusiasm and care that is almost infectious, truly embodying the spirit of the age-old saying, 'It's not about the destination, but the journey'.

The film acquaints us with the history and evolution of beerticking as a hobby not just within the home brewing landscape but dotted throughout the UK's social heritage—its roots going back to the Industrial Revolution when beer and ale playing a critical part in the sustenance and social life of the time. Beertickers: Beyond the Ale deftly combines scenic footage of Britain's urban and rural landscapes with these historical know-hows, accentuating the country's rich tapestry of brewing heritage.

In addition, Beertickers: Beyond the Ale humanizes this unusual pastime, exploring the personal stories, motivations, and lifestyles of several beertickers. The narratives, laughter, friendships, and camaraderie that binds these beertickers showcase a side of Britain's drinking culture that is rarely seen and celebrated. These seemingly ordinary men and women, armed with their beer logs and a thirst for a good pint, manage to turn travels, beer festivals, and life experiences into exciting quests.

While some might perceive beerticking as an inactive and somewhat eccentric hobby, the film subtly presents it as a form of active engagement with one's culture and heritage. Through their explorations for new brews, beertickers often end up learning more about different regions, brewing styles, and local histories, transforming into unofficial ambassadors and defenders of local brewing heritage. That's where this film truly stands out – in its ability to go beyond the simple act of beer sampling and delve into the generations of community, tradition, and craftsmanship behind each pint.

Featuring brewers, ale trail veterans, beer festival organizers, and pub owners alongside the beertickers, the film creates a 360-degree view of this unique cultural aspect. However, at its heart remain the beertickers – the individuals who operate on the fringes of mainstream ale culture while representing a subculture that is rich, vibrant, and full of life.

Beertickers: Beyond the Ale is a must-watch for beer enthusiasts and documentary lovers alike. Even those who aren’t partial to beer will find themselves enthralled by the spirit, passion, and friendly competition that consumes the world of beerticking. This film is indeed more than just a tale of beer; it’s a toast to a culture of exploration, community, and unpretentious pleasure that brews in every pint. Dive into it and find a fascinating aspect of beer culture that you might have never imagined existed. Cheers to Beertickers: Beyond the Ale!