Rudolph's Reward, Shepherd Neame

Regular readers (if there are such a thing) may remember how my delight at picking up a bottle of Adnams Sole Star in Budgens for the princely sum of a pound quickly turned to disappointment on tasting the damn stuff. 

But I can't resist a bargain. Stepping into that quality establishment I noted another offer from a reputable brewery - a bottle of Rudolph's Reward from Sheherd's Neame for, yes, a pound. 

As you can see, it's very well carbonated, with little head. Nelly asked who was buying these things - me, for a pound. 

To the lips, it's actually fruity, with bits of caramel and toffee, and a gentle whiff of hop. 

Sadly this is marred by a minging long bitter aftertaste, which leaves one thinking, "ah! That's why it's a pound".