Bottle, Corks of Cotham, Bristol. Poured a blackish brown with a very thin biege head. Some malt and sweetness in the aroma. Fairly soft mouthfeel. Was expecting something a bit creamier and hoping for a bit more in the flavour which whilst having some nice elements of chocolate and malt, doesn’t quite nudge this into the realms of being very good.

Bottle (4.5% version). Chocolate milk, cola, light charcoal aroma. Opaque black-brown color with minimal head. Sweet creamy chocolate/coffee flavor - mild acidity/carbonation. Smooth with some pep.

Bottle. Almost black with a moderate beige head. Sweet malty aroma with some roasted notes. Easy drinking, with milk chocolate and roasted coffee flavours before a creamy yet dry finish. Very enjoyable.

Bottle. Rich chocolate/cocoa nose with a touch of burnt aniseed. Pours very dark with hardly any head. Flavour lets down a little - it’s ok, but a little astringent and slightly sour in the finish. Mouthfeel is dead flat - too flat. Overall this one still needs work.

Cask (handpump) at The Pig & Fiddle, Bath. Very dark brown colour - not quite opaque. Thin beige head. Soft malt aroma, but quite restrained. More roasted, burnt malt character on the palate. Smooth and mellow mouthfeel with a fairly dry finish. Didn’t really find the sweet creamy elements often associated with milk stouts.