We tried this Harveys beer before we were aware of its illustrious history – a beer that sailed the waves to the Imperial Russian Court before falling into obscurity post-World War Two.

Having consulted The friendly Oxford Companion to Beer, we find out that, luckily for us the Yanks were intrigued, so much so they commissioned top British brewers to recreate the style.

And Harveys, the maker of the dark roasted soul in our glass, was one of them. Dark espresso with a black heart and a core of bitter chocolate, dates and steeped raisins, this has a long finish.

No wonder it won Best Beer of its Style in the 2009 World Beer Awards. Ideal in wine glasses, a little goes a long way. A steal. 

9%, Harveys Shops & Online; £2.30-£3/27.5cl; Cobbetts of Dorking & other independent beer shops