I sampled 6 different beers, Kevin ... 2 lots of thirds so I only had 1 pint each night in real terms .... of sampling. I then finished the evening off with a full pint of the preferred ale out of the 3 ... so 2 pints.
On the first night it was the Wagtail from Allendale Breweries near Hexham ... somewhere between the legendary Haltwhistle and Newcastle coming in at a mild session strength 3.8% -
http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/allendale- ... le/132616/ that I found the best.
On the 2nd night, I settled with The Screech Owl from Castle Rock Brewery in Nottingham - a much heftier ale coming in at 5.5% so not one to be tackled in anger ....
http://www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk/?beer=screech-owlBoth are right down my street in terms of style ... pale, hoppy, fragrant and sharp.
I may come across as drinking a lot but I don't ... a typical week consists of a couple of 2 or max. 3 pints of really nice, well brewed and well served, traditional ale - skilfully balanced and looked after with care and pride by the fine (semi) freehouses we are lucky enough to have here in Rugby. I came to England from India in November 1991 and have been a member of CAMRA since December that year. It is a bloody crying shame that vast chunks of youth and middle aged British drinkers do not have the knowledge or the inclination to support such a fine brewing tradition. Guess what? When it is gone, it is gone ...

so we need to do our best to keep it alive.