I agree, the bitter is a much better drink.

Wetherspoons Real Ale Festival
Wednesday 28 October to Sunday 15 November 2009
50 Ales and Ciders

Old Angel / Gatehouse on Monday evening ...

Old Angel
Cairngorm Black Gold 4.4%
Woodfordes Nog 4.6%

Gatehouse
A couple of old favourites from the Acorn Brewery, Gorlovka 6.0% and Old Moor Porter 4.4%.

Yesterday tea-time ...
A couple of pints of Hobgoblin in the Sun Inn. Full price now that the Tuesday evening offer has ended.

Abbot Reserve and Derventio Cleopatra, a lethal but tasty combo.

Acorn Sovereign, a knockout premium bitter, the pale gold Elland enigma and Nick Hambleton's Nightmare Stout/Porter.

All tasted at the Bluecoat in the last week.

Jury's out for me re Thorne Best Bitter but it's been on twice in a week at the Bluecoat in Rotherham so must be selling well.

Reliably informed that both Acorn Gorlovka and the imperious Saltaire Hazelnut and Coffee Porter are due to go on within the next few days.

Happy days indeed.

Where've you been of late?

Yesterday afternoon / evening (en-route back from Drayton Manor) ...

Another taste of the wonderful Merlins Oak (Brains) at the George and Dragon, Alrewas (Staffs) plus Marstons Limited Edition Pedigree at the Shoulder of Mutton, Barton Under Needwood (Staffs).

Later, a new one ... Nottingham Brewery Legend 4.0% at the Red Lion, Heanor (Derbys).

The Betty Ford Centre?

No, I've been at Stud, Nick Hambleton's to be precise. Very nice premium bitter akin to Sovereign. These two fine beers have converted a Smooth drinker!

Also tasted the very moreish Acorn Tangerine Dream.

Tasted Hornbeam Dark & Devine yesterday ... very nice.