Birmingham Firefighter becomes Aldi's Official Beer Taster

Ben Cluroe, 37, from Halesowen beat hundreds of applicants from across the country.

The nationwide hunt for Aldi’s Official Beer Taster began on July 21 and it asked beer lovers to explain why they should be chosen for the role, as well as outlining what their favourite beer is and why.

Ben, who has been in the fire service for 17 years, explained he is “passionate about beer" and about "sharing feedback with the everyday beer lovers out there”.

He claimed to have years of experience and said his favourite time to sip his go-to beer, a cold and fresh Rheinbacher 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 he’s not enjoying a pint, Ben likes to take part 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.

Having reviewed his entry, in which he displayed “an authentic love for beer” and claimed he “loves beer more than Homer Simpson”, the judges agreed Ben was the right person for the job.

As Aldi’s newly assigned Beer Taster, he received 12 different products from its beer range to review, including the smooth Hop Forward Beer, which Ben described as “hoppy lemons” and “fresh” plus a bold coffee stout, which was called out for its “smooth” and “rich” finish.

Ben’s 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.”

Ben reviewed a variety of beers (Image: Aldi)

Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK, said: “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.”

What did the Official Beer Taster say about Aldi’s beer range?

Here are some of Aldi’s items in the 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.”

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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.”