MARTIN ENTWISTLE, FOUNDER OF ALL ABOUT THE BEER, SHARES HIS THOUGHTS ON 5 OF THE BEST REAL ALES HE THINKS YOU SHOULD TRY.

1) Theakston's XB (4.5% ABV)

A ruby ale that is a dark copper colour but is lower on the bitterness scale than its looks suggest. It is a smooth and refreshing feel which made it an enjoyable pint

2) Great Newsome Sleck Dust (3.8% ABV)

The aroma is pineapple and betrays the quite big and complex flavours
of caramel,sugar beet, and wheat crackers all underpinned with peppery bitterness. Nicely drinkable in no way flimsy, well worth a try

3) Purity Mad Goose (4.2% ABV)

A nice easy drinking drinking session ale with just enough to keep you interested. A light copper appearance and distinctive hoppy taste

4) Woodforde's Nelson's (4.5% ABV)

An extremely drinkable beer, at least for me. A medium-thick textured biscuity malts dominate the palate upfront with chewy, woody and slightly nutty flavours. The hops then bring a mild fruity flavour of citrus zest lingers, balanced with a mellow long finish.

5) Five Points Best Bitter (4.1% ABV)

I wanted to include a beer that isn't from a traditional English Ale brewer but can hold its own on the list. Five Points Best could be thought to have a simple profile but the fact it's achieved a great balance and taste etc