[Cask at the Hope Tap (JDW), Reading.] A dark chestnut pour with a rim of off white froth; smoky malt aroma, like a distant bonfire; smooth malty body, with a burnt grain bitterness and some black treacle; then a bittersweet finish with lingering nuts. Very drinkable, much better than the Shamrock.

Cask at the Hope Tap (JDW), Reading. Mahogany coloured with a thin beige head and a light carbonation. Superb condition again - whoever's in charge of the cellar at this Spoon's deserves a bonus. Smokey up front (I like that!) then stewed plums and a touch of cough mixture (I like this less). Kind of a peaty thing going on here. Unfortunately the flavours die a little and it becomes a tad watery in the drying, mildly bitter finish that leaves a hint of smoked marmalade. Starts out well, ends just ok. An odd one this; on balance there were more positives than negatives though.