Grab this big beer beast from Exmoor

Exmoor Ales in Somerset has produced a remarkable ale that should, for once and for all, destroy the absurd barriers between beer and wine. Megabeast is 10.2 per cent alcohol and is a beefed-up version of the brewery’s regular strong ale, Beast, 6.6 per cent.

My first sniff of Megabeast brought a powerful reminder of the French wine made from the Syrah grape, which has a pronounced peppery aroma. I’ve always enjoyed Syrah wine as it brilliantly bridges the gap between beer and wine with an aroma and palate that suggests a few stray hops fell into the fermenting vessel.

Megabeast is the work of head brewer Tom Davis who has used generous amounts of malts and hops to fashion the beer. The malts are pale, crystal and a hefty amount of chocolate while the hops are a fine blend of Challenger, First Gold, Goldings and Perle.

The dark ruby beer has a big peppery hop nose balanced by rich vinous fruits and plums with hints of coffee, caramel, vanilla and toffee. The palate is bold and fruity with continuing notes of plums and vine fruits with tantalising hints of espresso coffee, dark grain and spicy hops. The finish is bittersweet with rich creamy malt balancing spicy hops and rich fruit.

Tom Davis said he cracked open a bottle and enjoyed a glass with Devon blue cheese “and it was bliss!” Perfect companions.

The beer is bottle conditioned and is a strictly limited brew so hurry before it sells out. £18 for a 750m bottle from www.exmoorales.co.uk/shop-2