Perfect beer?

A pub near us (1) had a beer festival last week and I tried several
beers I'd never heard of before. By far and away the best was Brewdog
Punk IPA, possibly the nicest beer I've ever had.

I was just wondering if anyone here has tried it in bottled and cask
form and, if so, how do they compare?

(1) The Malt Shovel in Ashby. Lots going for it, nice range of beers,
book exchange, home made steak pie and chips for £3.25 and a superb
range of malts.

If you ever end up in Scunthorpe (flat-tracking for example) you
should try it.

 

It was all going so well until

you typed the last sentence

PS I've not tried this IPA, although I am a fan of the style.
My current favourite IPA is Marston's Old Empire.

 

Well yes, it's a fair cop. But if you HAD to be in Scunthorpe, the
Malt Shovel might ease the pain.

I might disappoint you further by saying that it didn't seem very
IPAish - in that it didn't have that massive hops flavour associated
with shipping a beer to India. Also, it seemed easier to quaff than
most strong beers, not really tasting like its 6 per cent.

 

I read their website where it claims a merkin influence. I'm familiar
with Boston style IPA, which is okay, if a little sweeter than my
preference.

 

I've never tasted it AFAICR, but I am going to a beer festival tonight.
If I see it, I'll try it.

 

Well please report back, I'd be interested in a second opinion.

 

Ah, found this list so no dice, unfortunately:
http://www.beerviking.com/wcbf/beers-2

 

I've had some bottled. Very nice.

 

Well, let us know what you did like. I did a bit of a real ale pub
crawl in Sheffield on Monday and between that and the Malt Shovel
tried quite a few on that list.

Exmoor Beast needs to be tried - very rich. I seem to recall Bateman's
Victory and Dark Star Porter getting a thumbs up. I've had Shepherd
Neame's Late Red bottled and enjoyed that, I imagine it's lovely on
draught.

 

Excellent, I just need to find some now. Apparently Tesco or some such
had it at a quid a bottle recently. If only.

 

Many were tried, and they ranged from 'OK' to 'superb' but I don't make
notes so can't always remember which ones were the best in the cold
light of day! Twickenham Ales, Triple FFF and Moorhouses all did some
very nice ones.

Exmoor Beast is too dark & sweet for my tastes.

I've not seen it on draught, but yes it's nice.

And while we're at it, I will recommend Aldi's own labelled IPA &
Golden Ale as immensely quaffable, and only £1.19 a bottle.

 

It's brewed by Bateman's, BTW.

 

my nearest one in Brecon usually has the excellent Bateman's XXB for the
same price

 

Thanks for the feedback and the Aldi tip.

 

Sainsbury has an offer on cans of Hobgoblin ATM. 8 for 8. Very nice too.

 

Lidl regularly has Hobgoblin, Spitfire and Bishop's Finger reduced to
a quid or 1.20.