Managed a couple of hours in the Gatehouse yesterday evening and sampled the following;

Sharp's Red Sloe Ale
Reddish brown beer with a nose and aftertaste of gin (the Sloes in evidence). A very dry yet sour and bitter finish 4.0%.

Titanic Velvet Curtain
Ebony stout almost cafe mocha-like in taste and texture. Heavy on cocoa but hints of vanilla and biscuit and as you would expect liquorice prevelant in the palate. A sweet drink that would probably be too sickly to drink all night but would be ideal as a night-cap 5.0%.

Adnams Gunhill
Being a fan of Broadside, I anticipated another decent pint with the Gunhill and I wasn't disappointed. A rich dark ruby ale with chocolate as it's predominent (but not overpowering) flavour although there is more than a hint of spice in there too. Very enjoyable 4.0%.

... and today ...

A couple that I've had a number of times before Old Mill Bitter and (Dark Horse) Shoulder of Mutton Ale plus one new one ...

Brew Company Bock
A dark ruby red ale with a powerful malty flavour and chocolate and toffee undertones 5.0%. Very Nice.

Decent pint of Abbot Ale in the Cumberland last night.

Had the Dutch, orange and coriander beer ( excellent)whose name Gary will tell me

)at the Bluecoat, John Smith's Heritage Ale, which at least has some taste to it, and the overly sweet Saltaire Apricot Ale.

At the Arkwright had two very good pints viz Whim Hartington IPA and Daleside Blonde followed by a gorgeous bottle of Hawkshead Lakeland Gold from my Barrow stash.

The Dutch one sounds like Flying Dutchman Wit Bier which unfortunately I haven't managed to sample.

A couple of pints this evening;

Theakstons Black Bull Bitter
Dark amber bitter with light caramel malt and hints of fruit and pepper. Palatable but a touch bland 3.9%.

Marstons Dragons Tale
Dark ruby ale which will appeal to those who like heavily malted beers. Hints of fruit and nuts in the palate 4.5%.

Had Wild Blue Yonder Amber Ale x 2. Very nice too.

Tonight have had two Bateman's bottles, one Triple X B and one Victory. Yum!

Always have them available at home along with Batemans Dark Lord.

Recently tried Batemans Autumn Fall (in bottles) which ain't bad either.

Four for a fiver at Morrison's. The other two were downed by my impressed friend who is slowly coming around to my way of thinking regarding real ale

Regularly take advantage of that offer.

Sampled this weekend;

Everards Tiger Triple Gold
Slightly darker in colour than Tiger, more a copper colour than gold. Fruity and a touch sweet 5.0%.

JW Lees Hopping Mad
Not sure where the hops are in this, certainly not evident. A poor tasteless mild with no redeeming features even the malt had a watery feel. One to avoid 3.5%.

Okells Isle of Man Red
Ruby red ale with a fruity palate and hints of nuts 4.7%.

Batemans Dragons Den
Amber in colour and not dis-similar to the brewery's Autumn Fall. Hops and fruits in evidence but a nice clean / fresh taste in the mouth 4.1%.

along with (previously sampled)
Acorn Barnsley Bitter
Acorn Darkness
St Georgen Brau Keller Bier

Maybe the name Hopping Mad is a reference to the state of mind of the consumer when he or she tastes the beer after assuming it promised a hoppy experience.