The Durham Brewery - Cloister Premium Bitter 4.5%

Taste: My word that's nice! Bitter and hoppy with some spicy and fruity flavours. It smells good too. It's reminding me of rainy autumn days and puddles.

Appearance: Whiskey and water.

Would you buy 2? Definitely. It's very tasty.

Would you buy 4? I could see this happening. Yes.

Rating (out of 7): 5***** should be a six. But I've typed it now and lord help me, I'm not going to press backspace.

Location:Clapham, London

The Durham Brewery - Evensong Traditional Ruby Ale 5%

Taste: Oh god. This is good. Big expectations after Bede's Chalice won beer of the month in September. This ruby ale doesn't disappoint. I didn't know how to describe this flavour I'm getting, until I read the label, and it hit me...A toffee-coated Kiwi fruit shouting across the park. I'm stood next to a horse chestnut and the woody scent of conkers is thick in the air.


Appearance: Looks great in my glass. A nice maroon and just the right viscosity to get me all hot and bothered. Their artwork has grown on me too.


Would you buy 2? Yes please. It's very good.


Would you buy 4? I would like four, but I'm going to spend my money on their other bottled beers for now. Can you buy some for me?


Rating (out of 7): 6****** This deserves a high mark. It's a six, but it hasn't rocked me as much as Bede's Chalice. That said, it's still a six.

The Durham Brewery - Bede's Chalice Belgian Tripel 9%

Taste: Oh man, that's nice! The Beer Boutique 's selection has done me proud so far. An American hopped Belgian style tripel turns out to be a wonderful thing. I had initial worries about the stinky yeast pong, but there's none of that in the taste; just a fruity pleasure-gulp. It tastes strong too, which means it's not deceitful. I'm going to keep this going all evening. Delicious!

Appearance: Weak black tea. Odd label, but that doesn't matter. I enjoy the strangeness of it.

Would you buy 2? Yes, i'll be coming back for more.

Would you buy 4? Oh Durham where did you come from? What other treats do you have in store? I'll still buy four of these though.

Rating (out of 7): 6****** It's a six. I'm recognising a pattern. This curse isn't all bad... The Cat's really licked my bacon with this ale!

(Beer of the month recognised on The Durham Brewery site. Go and order a few bottles, you'll not be disappointed!)