Cask (Pullman, Helsinki) More an Old Ale than an ESB. Dark brown, thin head. Mellow dark malts and fruits in the aroma, but with a reasonable hoppy bent too. Taste matches that, full bodied, woody and fruity. Yet another classic from Oakham.

Cask, Leicester Fest 06. Dark brown with big bubbles. Aromas are very herbal with sweet spices, ginger and aniseed. Flavours are herbal and spicy with lots of bitterness following. Quite floral and earth in its hopping. Root vegetables and tea notes are also present. Dry and bitter on the finish. Pretty good.

1. Cask Stillage at the Formby Hall, Atherton 30/01/2003 Copper mid brown coloured with a hint of ginger. Slightly dry finish. 2. Cask Handpump at the Penny Black, Northwich (JDW) 10/02/2004 Mid brown coloured with some sour fruit flavour. Citrus aroma. Bitter lasting dry malt finish.

Hand pulled at the Bartons Arms, Birmingham. Copper coloured, with a loosely frothed head. Nice deep, boiled hop aroma, which carries through into the taste. A rich flavour, mouth-filling and lengthy. Crisp hops, wrapped in soft veg and sweetness. A hard edge too with a deal of bitterness. Boring to say, but it’s another excellent beer from Oakham.

Cask @ Angleterre, Helsinki Finland Backlog 1 April, 2005
Mahogany colour. Chocolate and dark fruits in aroma as well as taste. Reliable bitter aftertaste.