Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

A more tart, bitter taste than I had recalled from a prior drink of it. Strong flavour and rather pleasant to drink, easy-down texture.

Saltaire Triple Chocoholic Revisited

Harviestoun's Old Engine Oil Porter

Old Engine Oil Porter apparently reminded Harviestoun's original brewer of the engine oil he was familiar with having worked for Ford.

One of those times bitterness is satisfying rather than repulsive. A little goes a long way I suspect, hence perhaps the 330ml size. 

Generally I like Harviestoun's beers and this is an enjoyable addition to their stable. It has a very slightly scouring aftertaste which I normally dislike but in this case it is pleasingly like dark chocolate . 

Powerful - I wonder how much knowledge of the percentage of alcohol affects perception of strength. There is a general placebo effect of belieiving something is alcoholic leading to intoxicated behaviour even if, in fact, no alcohol is present.

Anchor Steam Beer

"Anchor Steam Beer is virtually handmade with an exceptional respect for the ancient art of brewing" Good to hear. I have yet to come across a beer extolling its mechanised production or slovenly indifference to the ancient art of brewing. 

A pleasantly bitter sharpness, lingering into a slightly acid aftertaste.

Milk Stout (Left Hand Brewing Company

Personally, I find this much-lauded stout a little meh. Young's Double Chocolate is a much more satisfying drink.

Spaten

A solid, honest-to-goodness drink that I generally enjoy.

Youngs Double Chocolate Stout

A more satisfying chocolate stout. More bitter and tastier than others I have had. Not sure how it stacks up against the Swedish Choko Stout. But pretty impressive and nicely substantial to drink