Durham drinker downs 100 beers in Head of Steam to win “posh Fosters”

A DURHAM drinker won a rare bottle of “posh Fosters” after drinking 100 beers in five months.

Head of Steam regular Ben Andrews was one of four customers to complete the list of mainly Belgian and American brews available at the Reform Place boozer – then saw his name plucked from the hat to receive the bottle of Crown Ambassador Reserve 2010.

“What a great challenge it was” said Ben. “I was really glad the contest took place over a long period as it meant I didn’t have to drink any more than I normally do, but it gave me a great opportunity to try lots of beers from around the world which I wouldn’t normally have tried – and there were some absolute crackers.

“I can’t wait for the next challenge” he said.

Crown Ambassador Reserve 2010 was the third “vintage” of Australian lager-maker Fosters’ premium beer brand and, with only 8,000 bottles produced, was designed to have an air of exclusivity that would appeal to diners in top restaurants.

Simon Ritson, manager of Durham’s Head Of Steam, said he had been amazed to see 159 people take on the challenge, which ran from September 1 2012 to February 1 2013.

“We were astonished at the response – we thought maybe a few beer fanatics would go for it, but it felt like the whole of Durham had joined in the fun,” he said.