T.E.A. (Hogs Back)

Pours with very little fizzy, the foamy head comes with a bit of a push at the end. A very malty nose, big hints off toffee.

The tongue is subject to an initial tingling blast of carbonation, sharp and fizzy like lemonade. Hidden after this is a deep malty taste, not sweet but rather dry. The middle is rather fruity, leading to tangy sharp lingering end. The finish is rather thin, a bit watery and lacking in hop notes, a slight hint of toffee.

3/10 Far too fizzy, thin and bland, tastes like malty commercial lager. I imagine this tastes better on cask with less fizz.

OTT (Hogs Back) 6%Abv

Its described as a "Strong Dark Old Ale" so plenty of expectations on opening.

As dark as the darkest of porters, only glimmers of light escape its grasp. A fantastic smell is unleashed on pouring, rich blackberries and dark fruit, hints of chocolate and noticeable hops.

Rich fruity tastes at the start, filling mouth like an indulgence of blackberries and black currants. Following that is the sweetness of the malt, not too sharp or tangy with all that fruit. The finish is really quite bitter, not like dark chocolate, more like the burnt edge of a Christmas cake. Fruity, bitter and charcoal in one.

7/10 A lovey winter warmer, a dark porter style ale with rich fruit.

Advent Ale (Hogs Back) 4.4%Abv

Pours like a dark bitter, glimmers of tawny peep through. Smells of dark chocolate and lightly burnt sugar.

Initial roasted malt, rich dark flavours follow with a wealth of coffee, molasses and liquorice.

Smooth fruit in the finish, blackberries and blueberries. Limited hop taste, a dry dark chocolate lingers.

6/10 A charming festive beer, one for a cold dark eve.