As the nights are closing in, I've been drinking some darker beers recently. One of my autumn staples is Wychwood Hobgoblin, a wonderful, smoulderingly fruity strong dark ale. If you like some of the darker Belgians, you'll love this. Great advertising too-



Another beer I sampled which I've been meaning to get hold of for a long time is Thomas Hardy Ale. At 11.7% ABV it's an interesting proposition-it tastes almost port-like, but has a very heavy mouthfeel at the same time.