The independent bottling market continues to evolve, and one of the latest entrants is looking to challenge one of whisky’s biggest barriers to exploration: the cost of buying a full-sized bottle. New Stirling-based independent bottler HIP has offici
Reviews and news from The Cask Connoisseur
Teeling Retains Top Spot in the 2026 UK and Ireland Distillery Rankings
Teeling Distillery has been named the most popular distillery in the UK and Ireland for the second consecutive year, holding onto first place in The Cask Connoisseur’s 2026 distillery rankings. The annual study compared 295 distilleries across the UK
Estrella Damm Owner to Acquire Old Speckled Hen from Greene King
One of the UK’s most recognisable ale brands is entering a new chapter, as Damm UK, the British arm of Barcelona-based independent family brewer S.A. Damm, has agreed to acquire the Old Speckled Hen family of beer brands from Greene King. The deal in
Arkell’s Spring Hopper Review: “Is this Pale Ale Spring in a Bottle?”
In this Spring Hopper review, we’re looking at whether Arkell’s seasonal pale ale really delivers on its promise of a fresh, easy-drinking spring beer. When you come across a beer called Spring Hopper, you expect something light, bright, and ful
Glengoyne Unveils New “Signature” Single Malt – A Fresh, Fruity Exclusive for Tesco Scotland
Highland distillery Glengoyne Distillery has announced the launch of its latest expression, Glengoyne Signature, a flavour-forward single malt designed with approachability and everyday enjoyment in mind. Landing exclusively in Tesco stores across Sc
Strawberry Chocolate Sour Beer Review: A Dessert Sour Surprise
Strawberry chocolate sour beer might not sound like the most obvious combination, but it’s one that immediately sparks curiosity. When you hear the words strawberry, chocolate and sour beer in the same sentence, it’s fair to raise an eyebrow. It
Mini Crunch Honeycomb Stout: A standout Easter beer
Vault City’s Brewing Mini Crunch Honeycomb Stout is one of those beers that instantly grabs your attention, and after a full Easter lineup of dessert stouts, it might just be the standout of them all. On our Easter beer journey so far, we’ve enjoyed
Mini Chocolate Egg Stout: Vault City’s Easter Dessert Beer Tested
This Mini Chocolate Egg Stout is one of the most unique Easter craft beers on the market, as Vault City Brewing attempt to turn a bag of Mini Eggs into a drinkable stout. There are certain things that feel synonymous with Easter. Chocolate
White Chocolate & Raspberry Stout: Dessert Beer or Identity Crisis?
Our White Chocolate Raspberry Stout review comes at the perfect time, as Easter is always a season where breweries push the boundaries with bold, dessert-inspired creations. In our latest tasting on The Cask Connoisseur, we came across a beer that pe
Chocolate Stout Easter Beer: A Naughty & Nice Chocolate Stout
If you’re looking for the perfect chocolate stout Easter beer, you might usually reach for chocolate eggs this time of year but what if you could drink your chocolate instead? The Naughty & Nice Chocolate Stout (5.9% ABV) from Vocational Bre
A Traditional British Beer Review: Masham Ale
If there’s one thing that can make a beer enthusiast’s heart skip a beat, it’s a Traditional British Beer that feels both timeless and expertly crafted. Enter Masham Ale a traditional British beer and special collaboration brewed by Thornbridge Brewe
Dark Skies Oak-Aged Imperial Stout: Whisky Barrel Aged Stout
As winter beers go, few styles match the depth, comfort and complexity of an Imperial Stout. For the third and final instalment in our Stroud Brewery tasting series, we turned to one of their most intriguing offerings: Dark Skies Oak-Aged Imperial St