A very well known name, although I can't honestly say if I've had this dark ale (5.6%) before. The brewery says, "A full-bodied, rich, smooth tasting ale with a mysterious and distinctive flavour. It's delicious. This award winning ale is based on our original family recipe."

The Independent says,"Old Peculier is king of UK strong beers, and has helped introduce many a sceptic to real ale. With a shadowy claret colour and a velvety white head, it has a nutty fruit flavour that saturates the nose. On the tongue it is prickly with a rich full body."

I say; Oh dear, another dark ale, not my thing usually. However, this is very smooth without a great deal of bitterness, and very impressive. Particularly smooth for a strong ale, this is not too malty, and leaves a lovely, long lasting aftertaste. Fair play, I'll try not to judge a book by its cover again!