The Porterhouse is quickly becoming my favourite pub in Dublin. Much to the bemusement of my friend I had somehow classed this place as just another Dublin pub (not that there's anything wrong with that, of course). Having been introduced to their beer menu, however, I am now singing a different tune.

Last night's pick was Rochford 8, a Trappist beer from Belgium. It was expensive, strong (9.2% - the 8 refers to an older measurement system) and described as possessing a very strong flavour. Already a fan of another Trappist brew, Chimay, I didn't have to be asked twice.

I really don't know what ingredients the monks use, nor are my tastebuds senstive enough to guess. Whatever's in there, this beer ends up like a soup. A very pleasant soup, at that. If I had to pick a word, I'd say it was fruity. But, like I say, I can't really tell.

I think mainstream beers have ruined my ability to distinguish one from another - and then when something like this comes along I'm just so delighted to have any taste at all that I'm not fussy!

However, my ignorance notwithstanding it's genuinely hard to imagine a better beer...except perhaps Rochford 10.

Or maybe just anything else from the Porterhouse menu.