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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.