Bottled ales. What are your favourites or what do you have in your home ?

[WildRosie]

Firstly, I admit I don't usually buy bottled (or canned) beer as I prefer to do my beer drinking in pubs. But it's nice to have one or two in for an aperitif or after work. Generally I go for dark, full-bodied stuff like Double Maxim and Mann's Brown Ale but some of the 'golden' ales are quite palatable, for example, Wainwright and Exmoor Gold. I steer clear of anything that is described as 'citrussy'. Obviously this is all a matter of personal taste and we all have our own likes and dislikes. This question might become more pertinent in the coming days if our pubs are forced to close again!

Otter ale is my absolute favourite. Having lived in East Devon for a number years, it was either on tap in all the pubs or easy to purchase. Now I've relocated to God's Own country, I've had to transfer my custom. I do like a Black Sheep.

And as my username would suggest, I'm a big fan of the Shepherd Neame offerings, namely Bishop's finger and 1698.

I'm pleased to announce my local pub has Adnam's Broadside and Ringwood Fortyniner on the bar. Hope they're still here tonight (hope it's still open tonight!).

Shepherd Neame used to brew a few bottled beers for Asda. Gentleman Jack was one. I don't know if this still goes on but SN certainly do one or two for Sainbury's. Bishop's Finger is one of their better brews.

I'm pleased to see Double Maxim is now once again available in my local Morrison's. Remarkable that it's indistinguishable from the Vaux beer of the same name that I used to buy in Blayney's more than thirty years ago. Back then, it was sold in imperial pint brown bottles. Ward's Best Bitter needs a comeback too, along with some not strong but flavoursome dark milds.