Cyclops

SIBA: Beer-tasting notes scheme under review after concerns about its relevance

By Oli Gross

- Last updated on GMT

SIBA: Beer-tasting notes scheme under review after concerns about its relevance

Related tags Beer Siba

Beer-tasting notes scheme Cyclops is under intense scrutiny amid concerns it is not fit for purpose.

The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) will review Cyclops after its south-east branch called for the removal of the scheme as a requirement on its BeerFlex service.

Brewers using BeerFlex deliver their products directly to tied or managed pubs via a centrally administered service and, currently, all products using the scheme must use Cyclops tasting notes.

Relevant

Tony Jerome, SIBA's communications and membership director, who represents SIBA on the Cyclops board said: "SIBA's members and the Cyclops board recognise that it is time for a full review of the scheme to make sure it is relevant and fit for purpose in the future."

Cyclops will be adapted to ensure it is fit for purpose within the next six to 12 months.

The south-east region of SIBA claimed Cyclops did not offer them value for money because it is not being used by the majority of pubs, and therefore it should not be compulsory as part of BeerFlex.

"A large percentage of people want to know what ingredients are in their beer and Cyclops can already offer things such as the hops and malt used," Jerome said.

Improvements

"Improvements are needed to make it more relevant, modern and fit for purpose so that more brewers and pubs use it in their marketing, and consumers benefit."

Many retailers use Cyclops for staff training, making decisions on which beers to order, licensee catalogues, and it features on the back of many pub handpumps – on which it uses symbols to indicate flavour.

Jerome continued: "Things like using the sugar cubes has to be looked at. This was just a symbol to help illustrate sweetness, but more people are conscious of sugar now, so this is one area that definitely needs a look into.

"SIBA has to look into whether Cyclops should be compulsory for BeerFlex. Perhaps this should be scrapped and if a retailer who works with SIBA likes Cyclops and wants this consistent scheme, then it will be them that demands it, not us."

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