Though I am a fan of Guinness, I've yet to really explore the world of Stouts and Porters. But what attitude is that, to stick to your guns, to stay in your lane? I'm swerving in and out without my indicators, pushing oncoming traffic out of the way with my snow plow. Manifest destiny, I say. So, in a pioneering spirit, I bought some cans from Sainsbury's that I thought I'd get a deal on, but I had no Nectar card, so I paid full price. Curse you, vile shop, I shall never grace you with my presence again.

Today's drink: Swiss Roll Stout by the merrily named Jiddler's Tipple.

This is definitely one for the evenings and, while I could picture this being enjoyed on a summer's evening, I feel it's one best sipped with the bite of a little frost. Described as rich and velvety, with sweet vanilla, caramel, and a note of sponge cake, I must say it does live up to the description. I felt I made a slight mistake in chilling this a few degrees, as when it warmed up to the room, it reached out, shook my hand, introduced itself, and told me everything was going to be okay.

I've had some chocolate stouts before but I've found them to be... off. Something about them seemed a little pungeunt. I can't put my finger on it, but there's always been something that I found made it hard to even get half way through. This one, however, made for a lovely sipping - and I am not well developed in my very-dark-beers tasting game.

The name Swiss Roll is one I like; it reflects the velvety decadence and creaminess. However, I was reminded more of chocolate pastries or biscuits that held back on the sugar - the cacao-heavy aromas of a chocolate Cantuccini served with a strong coffee, perhaps. Or a freshly cracked open chocolate croissant. Delectable.

Notes-From-The-Can
Swiss Roll Stout comes in at 5.1%

The ingredients:

• Malted Barley
• Wheat
• Oats
• Glycerin
• Yeast
• Hops
• Chocolate
• Vanilla