Straw, Chestnut, Ruby: A tale of three beers

There are many things that endear me to the Flowerpot in Derby. One of them is the predictable randomness of the beer choice. There could be Oakham or Durham beers, perhaps something from Marble or Thornbridge if you're lucky. There's always something from the on-site Headless brewery, of course; beers very much in the light-citric mold of Whim or Oakham. But never being sure of what's on is a real draw for me - especially at the weekend, when the choice of 16-odd beers (split between handpull and gravity) could be anything depending on what had landed in the cellar and how much the punters drank the night before.

Yesterday, a swift Saturday liquid lunch there offered up Marble Ginger and Thornbridge Jaipur. And, yes, I did mix them for the flavoursome joy that is Ginger Jaipur. The chance of those two beers still being on at Sunday lunchtime was slim to nil - great beer sells fast around here. And so it came to pass. But that meant I could random order a few pints knowing they'd still be quality.

One was straw - Millstone Tiger Rut, riven with Chinook, slight bodied but creamy lemon flavoured.

Another was chestnut - Durham Genesis, a keenly balanced, well-fruited, earthy bitter

The last was ruby - York Centurion's Ghost, plenty of toasty roastness atop a smooth malty base.

Three beers, three styles. Each in cracking quality, each distinctive in its aroma and flavour profile. And complete vindication for drinking whatever beer a good pub has to offer.