What is BADRAG? Our 'Manifesto'

We are BADRAG: Bristol And District Rare Ales Group, members of CAMRA, enthusiasts for the rarer styles of traditional real ales: milds, stouts, porters, old ales, and barley wines. It’s all about style: those that are less frequently brewed, harder to find, but deeper and richer in flavour, colour, aroma and texture. This is what we like to drink but, most importantly, what we want to defend, preserve and share: we believe these styles are part of our national heritage and worth campaigning for.

The award-winning group was launched at the 2007 Bristol Beer Festival.

What do we do?

We meet regularly in different pubs, chat frequently over WhatsApp, and share our thoughts and preferences about the ales we taste along the way. We support all pubs, taprooms and breweries that promote rare ales, but we also invite and involve those that don’t to give them a chance.

We also arrange trips to minor and major beer festivals, local and not; our catchment area is the West of England, but we may travel further by public transport or even arrange a minibus. Our regular pub walks see a number of pubs or taprooms in an area agreeing to offer at least one rare ale for us (and anyone else interested in trying something new) to sample on the day. Every few months, we meet formally to review and plan our activities. Informally, we come together more often to socialise while sampling the best ales that Bristol and the surrounding areas have to offer.

We are curious, welcoming, respectful and adventurous – and not just about ales! We value the company of friends old and new, conversations about our enthusiasms, and of course appreciation of cask ales. We know there are more like us out there: come and join us! Everyone is welcome to support and share the rare and dark ales movement. Preserve the dark, celebrate the rare, share the pint. Join the cause: BADRAG!

Please check the Branch Diary and Google Calendar for full details of upcoming events. Where applicable, buy tickets in advance or on the door, as specified in the event's further details.

You can also follow BADRAG's activities and plans in our award-winning branch magazine, Pints West Magazine.

Brew, stock, drink them or lose them!

You may think that these styles aren't really rare; BADRAG's campaigning over the years has helped them become less so, but there are still parts of the Bristol & District branch area where they are hard to find. You could help with this campaign ...

As a customer by asking for milds, porters, stouts and other rare styles of real ale to be served in your local, to show licensees that there is demand - and then drink them of course!

As a licensee introduce one of these styles and see what your customers think. There is a wide range of strengths and flavours to complement the rest of your beer range. Ask your local suppliers or brewery contacts what they can offer - and let us know so we can promote your pub to BADRAG members.

As a brewer let us know if you brew one or more of these styles and where we might be able to drink them.

Contact the BADRAG coordinators by email: BADRAG Coordinator.