British beer at its best

When I was last up North I had a very pleasant surprise when I got to the pub - the Black Sheep bitter was excellent. The mates I was staying with said there were two pubs close by, one a bit foody and one an old boozer. It was an easy choice to make so we were soon in the public bar of the Glendenning arms.

They only had two beers on, and I'd had a tip off the landlord drank Black Sheep bitter so I went for that. I've not previously thought much of Black Sheep's beers, finding them pleasant enough but a bit dull. This time though was a revelation. Despite the beer's modest strength (3.8% ABV) it was packed full of flavour, the tongue coating bitterness leaving me wanting more after each sip. Even the indignity of being served through a sparkler didn't have the usual adverse effect.


Not tasting of grapefruit it probably didn't count as craft beer but it was without doubt world class beer and I was happy to drink it all night.