February Ale Trail

Once a month myself and a few friends head out the local towns and villages to sample ales on offer. Last month we nipped over the border into Devon and visited the Old and New Inn's at Kilmington and the Tucker's Arms at Dalwood.
Last night it was Nigel's turn to drive and we made our way east to the `Mason's Arms at Lower Odcombe,just outside of Yeovil.
The Mason's Arms is thatched pub with its own brewery and a good reputation for food. Ales on offer last night were Odcombe No.1,Spring and a seasonal beer A Winters Tale. I opted for a Winters Tale at 4.3%abv, while the others tried No.1 and Spring. It was a dark beer with hints of cinnamon and cloves and not at all unpleasant.
As we were not eating we felt a bit out of place and didn't stay too long but we did check out the 'brewery' on the way out. One of the smallest I've ever seen.
Next stop was the Quicksilver Mail in Yeovil, the only pub in the country with this name. Here I was in for a treat as they had Adnams Broadside on , one of my favourites from one of my favourite brewery's.
Also on was Sharp's Doom Bar and Butcombe Bitter but we all plumped for the Broadside at 4.7%

As we were leaving we saw this amusing sign out on the pavement.
Next stop was the Royal Oak at Hardington Moor ,also known as 'Sonnys'. Here we had a choice of Otter Bitter or Branscombe Vale 'Dem Bones' at 3.5% and served straight from the cask.We all chose Dem Bones and we were treated to a pleasant session ale. This is a vibrant village pub with plenty going for it.
We then went to the Muddled Man in West Chinnock and before going in had to take a photo of the pub sign.

Ales here were Hopback 'Back Row' a special brew for the six nations championship at 4.6%, this was a ruby bitter with a malty taste and Cottage 'Fagins Ale'. I chose the Back Row.
We then made one more stop on the way home at the Cat Head in Chiselborough, another restaurant come pub and had a Butcombe Bitter at 4.0%.
Another successful Ale Trail completed with some old and new beers and pubs.
Roll on next month and the Culm Head Inn.