New beers of the year

Five experts select their top ale of the past 12 months...

BeaverTown 8 Ball (6.2%) Chosen by Mark Dredge, brewer at Camden Town Brewery

“A rye IPA from hot new London brewpub and barbecue joint, Duke’s Brew & Que. It’s spicy from the mixture of rye, and features citrus and berries from the US hops. It’s great with the ribs they cook opposite the brewkit.”

Old School Detention (4.1%)Chosen by Eric Mills, Beer Academy sommelier and pub manager

“This is from Lancashire’s Old School Brewery and is a clean pale ale, straw in colour with dry aftertaste and floral aromas. It’s an easy drinking session beer.”

Marble Earl Grey IPA (6.8%)Chosen by Des de Moor, author of The Camra Guide To London’s Best Beer, Pubs And Bars; desdemoor.co.uk

“A collaboration with Emelisse in the Netherlands, this stunning, subtle beer combines citric hops with a hint of Earl Grey.”

Mikkeller Beer Geek Brunch Weasel Calvados Edition (10.9%)Chosen by Tim Anderson, former MasterChef winner and beer expert

“This is the kind of beer that makes the whole world slow down. A strong stout, brewed with kopi luwak coffee and then aged in calvados barrels.”

Highland Brewing Co Pale Ale (4.7%)Chosen by Tom Newman, Beer Academy sommelier and owner of The Celt Experience brewery

“A delightful sparkling ale full of zesty aromas. I tasted this while judging at the recent Scottish Real Ale Festival and I believe it was brewed specially for the event.”