BEER

Beer-loving friends had told me this was not a patch on the much loved cask version, but when I saw it in Sainsbury's I thought it must be worth a try. It pours a deep golden colour with a bright ruby sheen and thick, creamy, pillowy head. Aromas are very fresh and hoppy, with plenty of crisp herbal notes and citrus fruit. There's a hint of something sweet, but no discernable malt character. On the palate it has a rich, mouth-coating texture and an immediately bitter spectrum of flavours with a suggestion of spinach and leafy greens, minerals, and dry, hoppy flavours. There's a little biscuity note of malt in the finish, but this is uncompromisingly dry. Very good indeed.