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THE POURFECT JOB ALDI RECRUITS 37-YEAR-OLD FIREFIGHTER FROM BIRMINGHAM AS OFFICIAL BEER TASTER

• Ben Cluroe pipped hundreds of applicants to the post
• Judges were impressed with his entry in which he claimed that “drinking beer isn’t just a hobby, it’s my passion”
• The unique job will require Ben to share feedback on Aldi’s beers, ales and ciders, which will help guide the supermarket’s buying team with its next range

Firefighter Ben Cluroe, 36, from Halesowen, Birmingham, has been recruited as Aldi’s Official Beer Taster after beating hundreds of hopeful applicants from around the country.

The appointment follows a nationwide hunt, which opened on 21^st July, that asked hopeful beer fans to explain why they should be chosen for the role, as well as outlining what their favourite beer is and why.

To land the role, Ben, who has been in the fire service for 17 years, explained he is not only ‘passionate about beer’ but also about ‘sharing feedback with the everyday beer lovers out there’.

Claiming to have years of experience, his favourite time to tuck into his go-to beer, a cold, fresh Rheinbacker Pilsner, is on the weekend at home where he lives with wife Clare, 39, who is a geography teacher at a local secondary school, and 6-year-old son, Zach.

When not enjoying a pint, Ben partakes in many hobbies including rugby. He describes a career highlight as playing at the famous Allianz park-London in an England vs Wales fire service charity match in 2015.

Judges were in agreement in Ben’s appointment having reviewed his entry, in which he displayed “an authentic love for beer” and claimed he “loves beer more than Homer Simpson”.

As Aldi’s newly assigned Beer Taster, he received twelve different products from its beer range to review.

This year the new line-up includes a varied selection, from the smooth Hop Forward Beer, which Ben described as “hoppy lemons” and “fresh”, to a bold coffee stout, which was called out for its “smooth” and “rich” finish.

Ben’s all-important feedback will help guide and inform Aldi bosses ahead of key decision making for the supermarket’s next range.

Ben said: “As a huge beer fan, I know exactly what beer lovers want and what is great tasting beer that they can enjoy when money is tight.

“My standout favourite from the range was Caramelised Biscuit Ale.

Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK, says: “We highly value the opinions of our customers, so we’re excited to have Ben on board.

“It is important that we continue growing and improving Aldi’s beer selection each year. I’m sure our buying team will find Ben’s feedback very useful.”

Aldi’s latest Beer Range, with tasting notes from Official Beer Taster, Ben Cluroe:

Hazy IPA (£1.99, 440ml)

“A hazy gold, with the aromas of sweet hops. Beautifully smooth, sweet and fruity.”

Found Lager (£1.99, 440ml)

“A golden liquid with a lightly hopped aroma, it’s smooth with a fresh and crisp finish.”

Hop Forward Beer (£1.49, 440ml)

“Clean golden in colour with aromas of hoppy lemons to finish with a smooth fresh, and well-balanced sweetness.”

Specially Selected Coffee Stout (£1.69, 500ml)

“This stout is deep red and like treacle, with subtle notes of coffee and sweet vanilla. Smooth and rich with well-balanced bitterness.”

 Rossini Gran Riserva (£2.49, 600ml)

“Classic and simple vivid gold, with a strong aroma of malt that feeds through on the palate. Smooth with a slight bitter end.”

Caramel Biscuit Ale (£1.79, 500ml)

“Golden in colour, abundant with burnt toffee and caramelised biscuit aromas that translate to a long-lasting finish of sweet creamy rich caramel.”

 The Hop Foundry Passionfruit Pale Ale (£1.49, 330ml)

“A pale and hazy ale that’s tangy and sweet on the palate.”

The Hop Foundry Watermelon Pale Ale (£1.49, 330ml)

“A hazy yellow pale ale with sweet notes of pineapple and refreshing fresh fruit to finish.”

 Lock Ten Brewing Co. Pale Ale (£1.09, 330ml)

“A golden floral and fruity pale ale, with crisp hoppy grapefruit and bitter finish.”

Lock Ten Brewing Co. IPA (£1.09, 330ml)

“A pale IPA with aromas of sweet grapefruit, with a light and fruity, clean finish.”

 Vintage Cider (£1.79, 500ml)

“A dark yellow cider, with notes of sweet apples with a tart, slight dry finish.”

Tauras Blood Orange Cider (£4.49, 4x440ml)

“Vivid orange in colour, a fruity drink with a refreshing zesty vibe. Balanced sweetness with a gorgeous light orange lasting taste.”

-ENDS-

For further information, images or to request a sample, please contact the Aldi press team on: aldidrinks@clarioncomms.co.uk

020 7479 0910

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Please contact the Aldi team at Clarion to confirm product details and availability prior to print

*Scottish and Welsh customers are not able to buy products that fall below the MUP.