Draught @ Hostex: Poured a deep amber in colour with a sizeable white head. Aroma is rich in sweet malts with noticeable hops. Flavour is excellent; sweeter than expected with decent hops, well balanced, and creamy throughout. Perhaps not the most authentic ESB available, but stands on its own as a tasty beer I wouldn’t hesitate to have again.

Oaks had off a Nitro tap but it’s beautifu sampled as a Cask ale: little carbonation, fruity, easy, mellow, full bodied ale.

Not a bad bitter - and for me nice to have something decent so close to home. Beautiful copper colour with creamy tan head. Head made me feel I was having the nitro version but then it dissipated and there was little carbonation so could have been the Cask version - shoulda asked. Some citrus hoppiness of nose and an overall lightly floral feel to it. More tongue-coating hops lead to a nice lingering bitterness. Enjoyable.

Another very good cask ale from Durham. I had this at The Blue Meaney in Toronto. Cask version poured a great copper colour and slightly creamy sparkler induced head. I didn’t get too much aroma, but was there was citrus. Nice deep bitter flavour, good malt and hop balance, although a tad thin. Very nice and subtle hop kick at the end that lingers. This is a good example of an decent british real ale and while not as hoppy as some would like, I really enjoyed it - a great session beer.

Cask: Dark bright copper color. Aroma is of citrusy hops, doesn’t seem english, but anyway, good firm maltiness and a big hop finish. Nice, smooth, refreshing beer.