Cask at Wellington Arms, bedford. Dark amber. Honey and vegetable malt aroma. Very, very sweet with a hint of alcohol. Slight bitter finish. A little too sweet for my taste, but one of this year’s better Christmas offerings.

Not really any head. Hazy dark red body. Faint wild berry aroma. Sweetish woody wild berry taste with earthy notes. Dryish aftertaste. Nice, but not great. (0.5pt on cask.)

Cask at White Horse, Parson’s Green, London. Brown with ruby tones.Oaky, wooden flavour, like a well oaked wine. Sweetness in the body, some dryness from the wood.

(Cask at White Horse, Parson’s Green, London, 26 Nov) Dark amber colour with small head. Fruity nose with dried fruit, apricots and hops. Slightly closed. Fruity taste with dried fruit, apricots, grapefruit and a seriously hoppy finish. Rather sweet and vinous. Lots of taste, very hoppy and nice.