The Bristol Beer Factory may be best known for its way with malts – the 12 Stouts of Christmas series is pure genius – but don’t let that fool you into thinking the Southville posse don’t appreciate the odd hop or two. This award-winning brew – SIBA south-West Bottled Beer Champion 2011 since you ask – packs a fab New World hop-kick of Columbus, Citra and Simcoe, offering an aromatic, spicy, pine-infused palate with a lengthy finish of addictive bitterness.

Great with fish, herby salads, Asian stir fries – and, as the bottle suggests – with friends.

Watch out for Bristol Beer Factory’s appearance on DrinkBritain.com in the coming weeks.

6.5%; £2.20/50cl; Bristol Beer Factory shop