Today, nothing can dampen my demeanour. Not even the unfortunate incident with the cash machine this morning. Up early, out of the house at 7.30am, get some cash en route, stop at M&S cash machine, put card in, tap pin code – power cut. No electricity for five minutes as I stand there in the peeing rain and howling force ten hoping against hope that when the power comes back on the card might zip out. The power comes back, the card doesn’t. Bugger.

pzscillypcBut, as I say, card will be returned drekly, we have another, hey-ho, these things happen. I am of a que sera, sera disposition on account of my Scilly Port Stout tasting last evening. Penzance Brewing Co’s Scilly Stout (7% ABV) at any time is a wonderful, rich, fruity, dark delight; with a bottle of Taylor’s port added to the cask, it becomes a winter warmer par excellence. And it had been preceded in my short but perfectly formed Star session (watching the clock, waiting for the wife) by Kelham Island Captain Chrimbo (5.4%), a delightful IPA, not particularly Christmassy, but hitting my IPA spot beautifully with an orange zest/caramel malt balance, lemon citrus aroma and bittersweet finish.

Elsewhere this week, I’ve been enjoying the 2013 vintage of Skinner’s Jingle Knockers (5.5%), notably in the brewery tap, the Old Ale House, in Truro, packed out for Black Friday but with staff coping admirably with a bar onslaught that didn’t let up for more than 12 hours or so. All too easy at this time of year to forget the admirable work of the guys and gals behind the bar, ever patient, still smiling well into their shift, and tolerant of those who may have over-indulged a little. At least, that’s the picture in the places I drink! The Jingle Knockers, deep amber, spicy hop and a light, sweet base from pale malt. I’ve found it better balanced and lighter in body this year. A good Cornish festive treat.