Name: Thwaites Very Nutty Black ABV: 3.9 Bottled/ Draft: Bottled, bottle conditioned. Colour: Black, coke-like. Head: Almost none; positively flat-looking. Mouthfeel: Quite watery. Taste: A strangely light, roasted malt with a slight bitterness at the end. Comment: This is a confusing beer; in appearance it almost likes like a porter but even in this “export… Read more »

Name: Finchley’s Ales India Pale Ale ABV: 4.5 Price £1.19 from Aldi Bottled/ Draft: Bottled, not bottle conditioned. Colour: Deep amber. Head: Good lingering head. Mouthfeel: Nice bubble feel, although a little fizzy. Taste: Some maltiness, with a long and quite strong hoppy finish. Comment: I only really bought this because I came across it… Read more »

Name: Tring Ridgeway Bitter ABV: 4.0% Bottled/ Draft: Bright Draft “Mini Cask” Bottle Size: 5 litre (9 pint) Price: A gift from lovely friends. (Can be purchased directly from the brewery for £15.25) Colour: Caramel brown Clarity: Bright Head/ Bubbles: Good foam Mouthfeel: Smooth without being creamy. Taste: Short hop start, nicely balanced. Comment: Although… Read more »

Name: Coniston Blacksmiths Ale ABV: 5.0% Bottled/ Draft: Draft Price: £3.20 a pint at the Black Bull, Coniston Colour: Deep golden Head/ Bubbles: Creamy head Mouthfeel: Fuller body than the Bluebird Taste: A good hoppy start, with an underlying strength and maltiness. Comment: Labelled as a ‘Winter Warmer’ and with a name like Blacksmiths, I’d… Read more »