Southwold Winter Beer (M&S)

Brewed at Adnams by Fergus Fitzgerald, a man who knows his stuff.

Its somewhere between a light porter and a dark bitter in colour, ruby turning dark. It smells of choclate and light brown sugar.

Initialy malty but with a gentle mellow caramel smoothness. No big fruit middle or powerful spices. Tiny bitterness in the finish but mainly leaves a lingering sweetness and gentle dryness.

Reminded me of the Bath Barnstormer, but slightly thiner.

7/10 A warming christmas beer for those who don't like to stretch to a porter or stout.

Barnstormer (Bath Ales)

Pours a beautiful deep copper colour with hints of ruby. Smells of sweet caramel with a hint of smokiness, a really distinctive and beautiful aroma.

Starts with a smooth creamy malt that washes the palette, hints of chocolate follow through. It finishes with a light caramel finish, light bitterness, very moreish.

8/10 A deliciously drinkable dark bitter, smooth creamy and sweet.

You can buy Bath Ales here, or pick them up in your local Sainsbury's or Waitrose/Ocado.