Cask @ Bow bar, Scotland. Aroma has some malts, citric hops. Clear, copper-amber coloured with a white head. Taste is slightly sweet, just a little bitter. Has some stinky flowers and malts. Not really great.

Cask at The Market Porter. Pale golden amber with a white head. Herbal and spicy aroma, a bit of sweet Maris Otter malts but really quite rustic. Sweet orange peel/earthy hops with a kiss of light spiciness. Nice balance. Pretty typical, but still well-made.

[Handpump at Eldon Arms, Reading] I grew up in Wadworth’s catchment area, and my local pubs were often Waddy’s tied houses - which was unfortunate as I really didn’t like their beers at the time. I’ve generally avoided their beers ever since. However, I’d recently had a bit of a Waddy’s epiphany, having thoroughly enjoyed a pint of 6X. So I thought I’d give one of their other beers a chance, and as I had to drive later on I chose the low-ABV Henry’s IPA. Now, this remains my brother’s favourite beer to this day, but I remembered it as being one of the worst of the Waddy’s stable - it would need an even bigger epiphany than 6X had. Despite coming in a traditional dimpled tankard, it was immediately apparent from the aroma that no epiphany would be forthcoming - there was a faint smell of sulphur and wet leaves, indicating the sort of bitter that I dislike. The aroma continued into the taste, despite the very weak and watery mouthfeel; a faint sulphur on the foretaste, some biscuit in the middle, and then something botanical afterwards. For some reason I was left feeling like I’d drunk liquid plantfeed (eg Baby Bio) even though I wouldn’t know what that tastes like. I’m trying to think of a beer to compare this to - possibly a watered-down Wells Bombadier? Overall it was much worse than I remembered, and one of the nastier bitters I’ve tried. However, bear in mind that it’s my brother’s favourite - so maybe this is one of those love it or hate it beers?

Biscuity and very fruity. Apples and pears, acidic. It needs more bite. There’s not enough real dryness or real bitterness, that’s a matter of taste obvioulsy but the palate is just watery. Maybe the IPA tag is supposed to be ironic. It’s actually a nice enough summer quaffer though.

Cask, Clifton, Bristol. IPA ? I don’t think so. Dull as dishwater, couldn’t finish this. Flat, insipid, bland, need I go on?