Now I can’t decide if Theakston XB makes it into my top 5.

Having driven for 12 hours from the UK to my house in France, I was in serious need of some refreshment. I had brought a selection of ales with me from the UK – I can’t be drinking Leffe Lager all week again – and XB was the first one to be cold enough to drink

Theakston XB is a really good ale. Great taste – very rich and hoppy – I loved it. If my view was jaded by the 12 hour drive I will find out tomorrow – I have another bottle you see!

Theakston don’t say much about this ale on the bottle – simply that it is delicious, ruby coloured, hoppy and rich – and it comes in at 4.5%. This is a good sign for me – most of the bottled ales with lengthy praise on them have turned out to be a bit of a let down.

I definitely enjoyed this one more than any I have had recently. I think I will give it a top 5 status for now – subject to review tomorrow with bottle number 2. Well done Theakston!