Corner Pin last night ...

Brains Bread of Heaven 4.0%, a dark brown bitter which I've not had for some time. Some sweetness, possibly treacle or syrup, with the malt. Nice.

Otter All Black 4.0%, a dark beer, reportedly a bitter. Apparently has orange, not overly obvious. Not unpleasant but not quite as advertised.

9 Gallon, Warrington last night ...

4T's Absolutely Plummed 6.0%, a nice plum porter, strong ABV but a subtle fruity flavour.

A few beers in Doncaster yesterday, the highlights being ...

Exit 33 Oat Stout 5.0%, roasted malts and some chocolate, in The Queens.

Wychwood Bah Humbug 4.3%, a Christmas ale / Winter warmer with toffee and fruit flavours, in the Gatehouse (they had one or two other Christmas ales on already too).

Little Critters Sultanas of Swing 6.0%, a stout, not dissimilar to their Nutty Ambassador.

Hawkshead Brodies Prime 4.9%, in the Spinning Mule, Bolton last Saturday (pre Genesis tribute band Mama), was a very nice dark ale, sweet and rich with chocolate and treacle flavours.

The Corner Pin, Doncaster has had a number of festive ales / winter warmers in the past week or so, the pick being ...

Hook Norton Greedy Goose 4.2%, a malty bitter with some fruit, biscuit and toffee flavours.

Partners Christmas Cracker 4.2%, a dark brown winter warmer, malty with some spice and a hint of caramel.

A couple of new and decent ales sampled in the Lower Angel, Warrington on Thursday evening.

Ascot Brewing Company Galloping Reindeer 4.2%, a new brewery to me but a very nice winter ale. Dark brown in colour, malty with some fruit and a hint of toffee.

Wishbone Black Porter 6.0%, this packs a punch! Roasted malts in abundance, coffee, chocolate, some fruit and liquorice. Very nice but probably only in moderation.

The Corner Pin has recently had a couple of Yorkshire Heart Vale of York brews available ...

Pale Ale 6.0%, clearly a strong pale ale, some malt, slightly hoppy but a smooth drink with a slightly earthy taste. Quite pleasant.

Dark Amber Ale 6.0%, a dark strong ale with malt and chocolate overtones. Like the Pale Ale, this is smooth with an earthy taste. Nice.

Also recently available in the Corner Pin, further seasonal festive ales ...

Great Newsome Yule Do 4.3%, light brown in colour and not unlike a best bitter. Some malt, a hint of spice but definitely some apple on the aftertaste. Different.

Salamander Round Robin 4.2%, a copper coloured festive bitter. Quite quaffable.

Yorkshire Heart Santa's Little Belcha! 5.0%, a golden festive ale. Some maltiness, spicy hops, cinnamon and ginger. Not a typical Christmas ale but pleasant enough.

Warrington midweek ...

The Bear and Bottle - Black Tor Advent 4.8%, a very nice winter ale with a few flavours evident. Some malt, berries and toffee, liquorice in moderation and a subtle hint of port.

The Looking Glass - Coach House Christmas Pudding 4.4%, a chestnut coloured festive ale, some toffee, fruit and spice. Very enjoyable.

The Lower Angel - Cross Bay Killing Fields 4.6%, a blood orange and pomegranate cloudy wheat beer which does everything the badge promises and is delicious. A real find!

Another festive ale in the Corner Pin, Doncaster yesterday ...

Salamander Star of Wonder 4.5%, a stout but sadly on the bland side. A little roasted malt and some fruit although difficult to determine exactly what. I do wish this brewery would go for more flavour.

Some cracking ales sampled in Leeds on Monday evening ...

Leeds Brewery Tap - Leeds Midnight Bell 4.8%. One of my absolute favourites.

The Griffin - Hardy & Hanson's Rock On With Rudolph 4.2%. Malt, caramel, fruit and spice. Has to be Rocking Rudolph's twin brother!

Tapped - Kirkstall Dexter Gingerbread 4.5%, one of the Dexter Milk Stout series. Roasted malts with gingerbread late on the palate.

Head of Steam - Tyne Bank Vesuvius 6.0%, an ice cream inspired Stout. Cocoa (chocolate on the 'clip'), strawberry and vanilla flavours. Very nice and very sweet. One or two would suffice.

Head of Steam - Timothy Taylor Boltmaker 4.0%. Along with Ram Tam, one of my two favourite TT brews.

Scarbrough Hotel - Old Dairy Snow Top 6.0%, a dark coloured winter ale, a bit like a subtle fruit cake with some marmalade and malt. Couldn't drink it all night but it's wonderful.

A couple more Salamander brews in the Corner Pin, Doncaster yesterday ...

Baubles To That 3.8%, a pale and slightly hoppy festive ale. At the risk of repeating myself, I do wish this brewery would pack more flavour in to their ales.

Porter in a Pear Tree 4.8%, a little caramel and some fruit.

Stancill Red Velvet 5.0% in the Corner Pin, Doncaster last night. Badged as a Rich, Full-Bodied Festive Stout, the prevalent flavour was chocolate but some vanilla as you progress. Quite nice.

Merry Xmas to you and your Liver Gary.

Merry Christmas to you too Richard.