Brewery: Phoenix
Location: Heywood, England
ABV: 7.0%
Version: Draught
Source: Trackside, Bury

On a pre-Xmas trip to the Trackside in search of a lunchtime winter warmer I was lucky enough to strike gold in the form of Phoenix Humbug.

This 7.0% ABV strong ale is packed full of huge malt, caramel, toffee and burnt sugar flavours with plenty of seasonal spices – noticeably ginger and nutmeg – on the after-taste.

The alcohol level compliments rather than dominates the flavours, resulting in an incredibly satisfying slow-sipper that’s guaranteed to chase the winter blues away. Absolutely gorgeous.