Exmoor Hart, 4.8% available Jan-Feb

One of Exmoor Ales’ best-kept secrets, this is a well-balanced and full-flavoured mahogany extra-strong bitter (ESB) that has just celebrated its 10th birthday. Hops are Challenger, Goldings, Brewers Gold and Styrian Goldings, so expect a delicate and subtle interplay of fruity and spicy hop notes on the nose, alongside an undercurrent of biscuity malt and a nudge of toffee. Four malts also take their place in the mash tun, which create a smooth and malty mouthfeel before a burst of citrus fruit leads the way into a delicious spicy, citrus, hoppy aftertaste. This is just the sort of beer that would stand up and deliver if accompanying a homemade steak and kidney pie or a rich and unctuous beef casserole.