Brewdog's brand has, from the outset, been tied to their work bringing highly hopped, American-style pale ales to the wider public.

Punk IPA was a shock to the senses when it first hit the UK market – while Thornbridge's Jaipur had already converted many into hop-heads, Brewdog's IPA was more abrasive and directional – and for a time was a fantastic cask ale before it became the cleaner, lighter, pale ale it is today.

This week's beer, however, is a break from the norm for Brewdog: it isn't a new IPA, it's a Scotch ale, and despite being barrel-aged, it isn't a member of their high-ABV Paradox series of stouts.

It's a moderate-strength bourbon aged beer for sipping – a fantastic idea on paper, and a niche in need of some high quality offerings.

Pouring deep brown with ruby highlights and a thin, off-white head, the aroma gives off sweet vanilla extract, almonds, coconut cream, and blackcurrant jam. Medium bodied, sweet and acidic malts dance around one another while malt loaf and fruit cake present sugared plums and raisins.

Bourbon comes to the fore in the finish; vanilla, oak, and dry white wine transform into nutmeg and cream soda before a dry, clean finish.

All the fun of barrel aged beer, without a premature end to your night.

Recommended by Michael Bates, Trembling Madness, York