Cask at the Anchor, Digbeth. Ruby brown, minimal natural carbonation and a bit of loose head. Faint aroma of wood shavings, plums and root beer. Sweet and slightly spicy taste. Not quite cloying but I’d like a bit of variety in the flavour profile. Some lovely Christmas pudding notes - figs, malt, brandy - in the finish. It has some character, and it grew on me, but it isn’t that great really.

Cask-conditioned at the Crown, Bristol 16/11/2014. Medium brown with a thin, yet tight, off-white head. Plenty of chocolate powder, some warming alcohol, berry fruits and a gentle finish. Good.