YOUNG'S DOUBLE CHOCOLATE STOUT

Whatever other qualities it has, Ale is not generally considered to be a sexy drink. But when you combine it with chocolate, you have a winning mix that has a decidedly decadent feel to it.

Young's Double Chocolate Stout describes itself as 'luxurious beyond belief' and who are we to argue? If any drink can help stout move away from its unfortunate and undeserved image as a drink for old men and fat, bearded real ale enthusiasts, this is it. At the risk of being sexist, I'd suggest that it's drinks like this that could help break ale to the difficult-to-crack female demographic, not to mention younger drinkers who are just venturing beyond the world of corporate, fizzy lager.

The drink combines chocolate malt and real dark chocolate with a full-flavoured dark beer to create a surprisingly agreeable tipple. Not too sweet, but unmistakably chocolatey, this is a very drinkable combination which is sure to get the tastebuds dancing!

Guinness lovers will find this an intriguing alternative, but even if stout is usually the last thing you'd consider, give this 'double dose of pleasure' a try. It might change your drinking habits forever!

DAVID FLINT