The Beer That Lets You Call the Shots

This is how it works: You consult with a master brewer, who’ll start you off choosing from a range of base beers, selected according to the levels of sweetness, lightness and complexity you prefer. Then he’ll need to understand what specific flavours and aromas you’d like, so he can select the hops (flowers used to flavour beers, imparting bitter, zesty or woody notes) and additional ingredients to create that taste profile. A batch takes four weeks to concoct. Half that time is spent on brewing and fermentation. You taste the final product only when the entire batch is complete, and you can opt for tweaks to be made – but be prepared to pay extra. You can even customise the labels. Change up the colours or slap on a funny picture – it’s totally up to you.

The idiot-proof way: don’t be gentle. Pour out the beer with vigour – you want to encourage the build-up of foam, says Trouble Brewing’s founder, Joseph Barratt. This lets the carbon dioxide escape, and minimises discomfort around your waistband.