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Marston’s is brewed in the home of real ale brewing in the UK - Burton on Trent - and, in line with their ‘Marston’s Don’t Compromise’ byline, has reverted back to a more genuine IPA style to create Old Empire. It’s brewed to be stronger than a standard ale (5.7% ABV), has a typical pale colour and is bursting with hop flavour and citrus notes. The nose is beautifully pungent with rich hops (too much for Erin to stand - she hates when I first open a bottle of this) and while the strong flavour may be too much for some it is very quaffable in the hands of an expert. Or me.

This is a reliable standby in the caravan in Eyemouth - the local Co-op always seems to have this stocked! Not seen this on tap as yet, but hopefully will see it around. As with most bottled ales which are not cask conditioned it may well be fizzier than the real thing - so hunting down a cask version is very much on my list of must-do’s! I’ll let you know here when (not if!) I find it.

Enjoyed as a guest beer at The Melville Inn, part of a chain of pubs known as Village Inns, whose decor is one of faux-Olde Inn style. However, they do have a three hand pumps and the beer is usually served in decent condition - and while Deuchars and Caley 80/- is an almost ever-present fixture on two of the pumps, the other is available for guest beers.

A fairly generic bitter if the truth be told - the website states typical ingredients of Maris Otter and crystal malt with Fuggle and Goldings hops - but a decent session beer to be enjoyed with food or friends; or ideally both!

Belhaven brewery is situated 30 miles along the east coast from Edinburgh in the town of Dunbar.  Famous throughout Scotland for their Best beer, and now owned by Greene King, the brewery has a long history of producing many types of ale throughout it’s history as an independent brewer.  In recent years this has dwindled significantly, but with Greene King’s guidance and the knowledge that cask ale is bucking the current trend of downward spending, a few bottled beers are to be found on the shelves!

One of these is Robert Bruns Ale: produced in celebration of the Bard and available this year in plenty time for the 250th anniversary of his birth.  A rich, sweet malt flavour which complements haggis, neeps and tatties as well as it would any hearty Scottish meal - but equally good on it’s own!