Dark Star - Winter Meltdown 5%

Taste: A real Christmassy blast on this clement spring day. Oranges with cloves. Vending machine squash from the 80's (think brown cups and leisure centres). It's a spicy beast.

Appearance: Chestnut brown. Red label.

Would you buy 2? I have two next to me. I have no regrets.

Would you buy 4? I don't think I'd be ashamed with four.... Proud?

Rating (out of 7): 4**** I fine shot indeed.

Location:Windmill Walk,London,United Kingdom

Dark Star - Imperial Stout 10.5%

Taste: This is an exciting one. Here we go... Wowzer! It smells a bit like creosote. That takes me back... It has a raisiny rummy flavour slapped over a length of slate; a single hop rests on top. Wilting. It's so strong... I'm drunk. 2 sips in. There's a liquorice aftertaste. Or aniseed. But it's distant.

Appearance: Boastful label. But it's okay in this instance. I wanted to keep this for a year or two to age. But who was I kidding. The temptation is too much.

Would you buy 2? Yes. Of course. But to drink them on the same day is asking for trouble.

Would you buy 4? Same answer applies. I would like to own four. But I will not be drinking them in one go.

Rating (out of 7): 5***** It's great! There's something troubling me that stops me awarding this a six. Ask again when I'm finished... This one's a floozy.

Dark Star - Sunburst 4.8%

Taste: oh mamma! This is nice! Hopscotch !! It's a fruitbag.

Appearance: looks brown.

Would you buy 2? yes. Exactly 2.

Would you buy 4?: exactly 2!

Rating: 4****