....Or, to be more precise, Outstanding Brewing Co's Stout (5.5%abv). These Lancashire lads have been making beer for a couple of years now but this is the first of their wares that I've tasted - and I was impressed.
A simple beer that simply ticks all the boxes: a thick, tan head that lasts until the end of the pint, and masses of liquorice on the nose - along with a hint of cola. The body of the beer isn't too thick, with a long, dry taste - roasted malt up front, with a hint of sweetness at the end, and then drying out to a tongue-tingling bitterness. The slight carbonation that this bottle-conditioned beer shows actually benefits, I think; OB's Stout is a big, big tasting beer, yet remains light. Very nice indeed. Must search out some more.