An exceptionally good brew. I love a black ale and have done since properly trying them in Prague years ago. An oxymoronic 'black pale ale' is probably the nicest one I've had in this country so far. I might have to get a few more...

Dark fruits and toasted malts give this beer a deep and satisfying smoky flavour but with a light and very drinkable body.

Picked up for a £1 not too bad... dark and flavoursome but could do with some more hops.

Brewed by Meantime Brewery exclusively for M&S, this beer is a contradiction in terms! A 'black pale ale' - say what now?! Sold in 330 ml cans, M&S in Leicester were selling these off for £1, along with bottle of Flat White Porter, so I thought I'd give them a go. It's actually really good. Roasted malts and a sweet fruit are the main flavours, but the beer has a lightness, refreshing quality and carbonation not normally associated with dark beers. Well worth a quid!

A delightful black Pale Ale. Quite fruity with sweet flavours. Bargain at M&S at only £1.00 a can.

Another M&S "exclusive". So, this caught my attention as a black pale ale as I was looking for some suitable libation for the train journey home. It's slight bitterness just catches the front of the tongue, but it manages to balance this with a light and refreshing taste. Dark Pales, I like 'em, I just don't know what to make of them.

Tasty coffee malts with a classic IPA aroma. Low enough ABV to be sessionable.