Tuesday, December 16, 2008: one of those very rare moments when you’re poured a beer that makes you go “wow”. Bath Ales Barnstormer (4.5% ABV) in the Copperhouse, Hayle, about half a mile away from my home. It had loads of fruit, it had loads of malt, but neither overdone, and with enough hop coming through to send me back to the bar for two more! Good body, and the beer was in absolutely A1 condition. A five in anybody’s book on the old CAMRA beer scoring system. This is definitely a pub I’ll be pushing for for Good Beer Guide inclusion for 2010.

I’d assumed it was a Punch or Enterprise House, but it turns out it’s owned by Trust Inns, who seem to have a firm commitment to real ale. There are four handpumps at the Copperhouse, two with Skinner’s beers, one with Skinner’s cider, and the fourth is reserved for what, more often than not, is an interesting guest. Cameron’s Strong arm and Young’s Winter Warmer were recent highlights, but the Barnstormer knocks both of them into a cocked hat!

If you’re in Hayle, I urge you to give this pub a try. And if you’re in there after 9pm on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday look out for the excellent live music for which the pub is gaining a good reputation.