Despite sampling a stunning array from the 100+ on offer at The Merchants in Rugby, my BOTW goes to Uley's Pigs Ear as recommended, and drunk, by its brewer.
Not aware I've ever had Uley beers so looked up their website and was amused at the appendage to payment terms - 'We regret we do not accept Credit/Debit cards, Luncheon Vouchers, promises of a good time or offers of tree surgery etc etc.'
Not visited Rugby either, but last year's list of possibles didn't get past The Merchants, Victoria, & maybe Alexandra.
All 3 are well worth a visit but if you go to The Merchants first then it's always a struggle to get out as they have the widest ale selection (and prettiest barmaids!).
Apologies for initial sketchy reply, unwelcome distractions. Rugby's actually a decent town for a pint in my experience. In addition to The Merchants, Alex and Vic which you mentioned, there are also 2 Spoons, The Rupert Brooke and The Lawrence Sheriff as well as The Squirrel - an institution and GBG listed, The Raglan which regularly wins local awards and various other boozers less well known for their ale quality. Everards are also in the process of refurbing a pub in the town centre which I think is due to be opened by December and the whole lot is within a compact town centre which is walking distance to the station.
After a couple of days in York, two more in Sheffield and a couple more around the Dale this weeks choice has been pretty difficult.
With honourable mentions to TSA Double Expresso Stout and Wychwood King Goblin (like Hobgoblin used to be before they reduced the ABV).
This weeks winner is going to be Thornbridge Lumford tried at both the Sheffield Tap & Trippets in Sheffield.
A pub is for life not just for Christmas
Adnams Ghost Ship, Crouch Vale Blackwater Mild, Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Ha'penny Gog Magog and Palmer's Tally Ho would all have been worthy winners most weeks, but BOTW came down to a choice between BrewDog Edge and Crouch Vale Brewer's Gold.
I'm going to give it to the Brewer's Gold which I enjoyed in both the Harp and Edgar Wallace - the BrewDog will probably have to settle for being beer of the festival (JDW), although there's still a lot more to be drunk before that decision is made.
Spoiled for choice this week after just a couple of sessions around Harrogate and Knaresborough, Yorkshire Dales Oktoberfest, Salamander Spadefoot and Fernandes Lucifer all came close but it's got to be Marble Testbrew this time.