OK, the cold is still there but something has to shake it. I can't wait to tomorrow either as that is the day of The Session and this time that means the day of lager love. Given that it is love of macro crap mass produced lager, while it should make for a good read, it is not something I am looking forward to personally experiencing. Unlike this Paradox Smokehead. I have had one before and I can assure you it speaks to my peeps. Ian MacLeod makes his peaty Smokehead Whisky on Islay and BrewDog has thrown their 10% Paradox stout into a few casks, each a former home of the uisge beatha or water of life. How can't that help with the wee sniffles?

It pours deep mahogany with a chestnut rim when held to the light. The nose is full of peaty smoke, booze and intense buttery malt which opens to a roasty core. In the mouth it is soft with a succession of waves of fruit - thompson raisin, prune, baked date - along with dark chocolate, black toast scrapings and other earthy things. Best not ask too much about them.¹ Mint and twiggy hops intercede but defer. A long and slightly lighter finish than I might have expected. Beer to nibble smoked eel with.

Only three reviews are up at the BeerAdvocate but two are having a BrewDogasm. Lovely and balanced.

¹Has anyone ever included "worm tailings" in their ticker scribbles? Oh dear, I just asked.