I've just been reading about John Willie Lees winter brew which has just gone on sale in Manchester, here in the UK, for £2.20 a bottle. Changes hands in New York for up to $55 apparantly! Should we try to make a killing? (Just kidding - suspect the duties and shipping would be prohibitive.)

Try Belgian Kriek Mrrzy - Mrs Gnome loves it and she doesn't really like beer. It's cheery flavoured! They do Rasperry (Framboise?) and other flavours as well. Another alternative is a stong ale or 'barley wine' - strong, dark and most often very sweet.

My favourite at the moment is the porter brewed by someone local (I can't remember who!) for the Crescent in Salford. Most beers I like tend to be the darker ones but there are a few light beers I enjoy as well - Including the German and Belgian cloudy wheat beers. I still enjoy a pint of the good old Manchester nectar though - Joseph Holts. Mmmmm!

Cheers

Dave the Gnome