Overly chilled half at The Bull, and an unexpected rate. Pitch with lots of beige lacing. Nose sweet dusty choc, roasted malt, liquorice. Dominant notes of cocoa and liquorice. Bit of plastic. Needs more roastiness to achieve true stouthood. Creamy nitro mouthfeel. Bit watery and mild-like in the finish. Certainly one of Marston’s more characterful efforts.

On tap at The Wharf. Very dark pour with a light brown head. Rich malty nose. Flavor is dry with a roasty backing. Finishes dry.

<i>Cask at the Plough and Harrow (JDW), Hammersmith. </i> CHocolate cloured with a cream head; roasted malt aroma; smooth and easy to drink with a milky chocolate flavour, but not too sweet; a rounded dry finish. A pleasant milk stout.

Cask in Sir John Moore. Aroma was lightly roasted malts some caramnel and hints of burnt toast. Taste is similar with no fish notes or even saltyness to be seen at all, but thats probably a good thing.

Cask conditioned - handpump - Wig and Pen, Northampton. A very attractive beer being black with a lovely frothy beige coloured head. The aroma is thin with some slight fruit and a little acidity. The taste is creamy with some light roast. Smooth and pretty tasty. Sweeter than expected with no really fishy notes.