The Cup That Really Matters

Good morning sportsfans. I intend to keep this posting brief and to the point but given my output so far I accept this may not happen.

Well I'm sure that the eagle eyed amongst you have spotted that Thursday saw me reach my mid-thirties. Unfortunately I was laid low with a chest infection so my celebrations were rescheduled and will now take place today.

We (that's myself and seven like minded friends) have decided to mark my 35th year by dusting down an old tradition...The Beer World Cup.

This event used to be an annual event on our social calander but has dropped off in recent years due to everyones family commitments (wifes, kids etc)

The idea is quite simple so I'll give you the recipe and you can try it for yourself.

1. Find a good quality bar that specialises in imported beers from strange corners of the globe.
2. Find seven likeminded individuals that are willing to participate. It is also important that you can tolerate these people when drunk as if not there may be fisticuffs by the quarter-finals. Also make sure none of the group are as cheap as cat shit. This can be an expensive day out.
3. Find a World Cup wallchart. These are freely available in publications or online in the run up to the Official World Cup tournament.
4. Substitute each of the 32 international teams for 32 beers from the selection offered by the bar chosen at step one.
5. Allocate one of the eight groups to each of your party.
6. You then drink each of the four beers in your group in turn and once all four have been consumed you decide which was the best and which was second best.
7. The best and second best brews are then moved on to the knock out stages as group winner/runner up.
8. Then simply follow the knock out route all the way to the final.
9. By the end of the evening you should have drunk yourself around the world and a concensus should have been reached as to which beer can actually lay claim to being The King Of Beers. Clue here it aint filthy Budweiser that's for sure.

I would like to point out that I do not condone the so called "binge drinking" culture we are told is so prevelant in society today but there are times you have to give the nanny state the bird and today is one of those days.

Our bar of choice for these adventures is

http://www.goingoutglasgow.com/uber-lounge/index.html

A World Cup Wallchart can be downloaded here

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4510476.stm

We previously used the big sister bar of this one but in recent years it has got too busy and the service is way too slow. Obviously this event can be adapted to fit your social circle. I have dabbled with running the event based on spirits and wine but beer definately works best.

If you are planning to go out and about today raise a glass to me and I'll ensure we reciprocate with a toast to you and yours. I'll be back tomorrow with more about the nanny state.