Beer connoisseur and passionate pub campaigner, Mark gives us his decision on the tastiest beer he has sampled in the last seven days.

Mark has been highlighting the values of Britain’s favourite drink for many years. He is a member of the British Guild of Beer Writers. Follow @realaleupnorth on Twitter

This week’s most enjoyable beer came courtesy of Big Clock Brewery, Accrington.

The brewhouse is located within the confines of Grants Bar, quite close to the town centre. Owner and head brewer, Justin Grant, has been brewing a splendid range of cask ales since early 2014.

Tia Maria stout was the ale I plumped for on my visit. The 5% offering was black as a vicar’s cassock with a tight, creamy, beige coloured head.

The beer had a welcoming, complex aroma of dark roast coffee, dark chocolate, vanilla and hint of rum. More roasted grain flavours of coffee and dark chocolate. Along with more vanilla and rum notes.

The flavours balanced beautifully in this rich, sweet, deep flavoured stout. There was only just a hint of bitterness identified.

More dark chocolate and coffee notes, in addition to some vanilla sweetness lingered in the long finish.

Tia Drop was a skilfully brewed and sublime tasting stout. The contrasting flavours married most impressively. In exceptional condition too, at this popular social and drinking destination.