The test . . . artisan beers

DeuS, Brut de Flandres 11.5% ABV, £13 for 750ml, Ocado Once this beer has been brewed and bottled in Belgium it goes to the Champagne region in France where it is treated to the same finishing process as the famous wine. Outstanding as an aperitif, it is also much better value for money, in terms of complexity of flavour, than any low- to mid-level champagne. Great with: canapes or starters made with ingredients such as smoked salmon or Asian-style pork belly. Photograph: Guardian Dark Island Reserve 10% ABV, £18 for 750ml, hi-spirits.co.uk Aged in Orkney whisky casks for three months which gives it a subtle spirit nose. The dark, spicy depths have an almost tamarind-like astringency stopping the rich, clootie pudding-sweetness from overwhelming your palate. An ideal substitute for fortified wines at the end of a meal Great with: rich chocolate souffle with dark cherry compote or Stichelton blue cheese with chunky oat cakes. Photograph: Guardian BrewDog Tactical Nuclear Penguin 32% ABV, £35 for 330ml, brewdog.com Initially brewed as a very strong imperial stout, its rich chocolate and espresso flavours have additional spirit notes from the 14 months of double barrel ageing in Scottish whisky casks. It is then distilled down to an almost unctuous, syrupy consistency through repeated freezing. Great with: pour a little over vanilla ice cream and put the rest in a brandy balloon to enhance the flavour. Photograph: Guardian