The stout - the only bottle-conditioned beer brewed by Acorn - is named after Barnsley's twin town in Ukraine. The beer recalls the hey-day of porter and stout brewing in England when vast amounts of strong versions of the dark beers were exported to Russia and the Baltic states. Acorn has also restored Barnsley's brewing traditions. The original Barnsley Brewery, which brewed Michael Parkinson's favourite beer, was bought and closed down by John Smith's in the 1970s.

Acorn was launched in 2003 by a former chef, Dave Hughes, and his wife Judi in the Wombwell suburb of the town. They used a 10-barrel plant from the Forester & Firkin brewpub in Stafford. Barnsley Bitter was launched in July that year with the original Barnsley Brewery yeast culture, which is also used for the current portfolio of beers. In 2007 the brewery moved to new premises with a 20-barrel brewing plant bought from the defunct Blackpool Brewery. Acorn now produces 100 barrels a week and this figure will increase with the addition of new fermenters. Sales increased by 29% last year.

Acorn, Gorlovka Imperial Stout (England) (RP) Acorn's Gorlovka Stout is brewed with Maris Otter pale malt, crystal malt and roasted barley. The single hop is Challenger. The colour is ruby/black and the beer has a thick collar of foam. The aroma offers liquorice, cocoa powder, roasted grain and peppery hops. Bitter hops build on the palate with roasted grain, liquorice, cocoa and burnt fruit. The long and bitter finish has spicy hops, burnt fruit, liquorice, cocoa and roast. It�s an especially hoppy interpretation of stout and is bursting with complex flavours. It�s also available in cask-conditioned form. Malt: high. Fruit: high. Bitterness: high. Also available Archer Road Beer Shop and the Dram Shop in Sheffield. Available direct from the brewery: 01226 270734. 6.0% ABV, 50cl, �2.00 - �2.50, Rhythm & Booze.