Stravaigin (Williams Bros/Stillwater Brewery, 6.4% abv)
Picked up from the excellent Vinomondo in Conwy. This is the brewers' "interpretation of local ingredients, inc. Heather, Bog Myrtle & Goosieberries along with the Stillwater sasion/farmhouse yeasts", billed as a Scottish Croft ale.
The first taste is quite rich and sweet, with a burst of sourness shortly after, and then a herby freshness underlain by a spicy hint. Complex, and jolly nice.
Williams Bros have also gone for what commentators already call "the double Marmion", with an embossed covering on the cap that features the Williams Bros. logo, under which can be found a standard Williams Bros cap, featuring not only the logo, but type around the circumference. FANCY.
Mrs M says: "Very nice."