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Theakston's, the famous family-owned brewery in Masham, North Yorkshire, has produced a bottled version of its draught XB. This is part of a major overhaul of brands and promotion since the brewery was returned to family ownership two years after 20 years as a subsidiary of Scottish & Newcastle.
The name XB reflects the ancient tradition of branding casks to indicate both strength and style, with B standing for Bitter. A single X does not do justice to a potable 4.5% beer.
Theakston, XB (England) 
XB is brewed with pale and crystal malt and brewing sugar. The main hop - as is customary with Theakston's beers - is the Fuggle and units of bitterness are 26.
The beer is bronze-red in colour, which suggests a substantial amount of crystal malt is used, a fact underscored by a rich sultana fruit note on the aroma and palate. There is a massive blast of hop resins on the nose from
the use of Fuggles, balanced by biscuity malt. Fruit, bitter hops and chewy grain fill the mouth while the finish starts fruity and malty but becomes dry with a final attack of bitter hops. 4.5% ABV, 50cl, �1.59, Oddbins, Sainsbury's, Spar, Threshers, Waitrose.  |  |
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