Every now and then, somebody asks why some of the bottles and cans in the fridge cost more than others.

A lot of the answer comes down to where they come from.

Some of these beers are imported from the USA and Europe, often from smaller breweries using premium ingredients and brewing styles that are harder – and more expensive – to produce. Add shipping and import costs on top, and the prices naturally end up higher than your average pint.

But these beers are not there to be necked in ten minutes.

They are more like something to sit with, share, and properly enjoy. A bit like opening a decent bottle of wine with a meal. Some are strong, some are barrel-aged, some are brewed once and never seen again.

A lot of them are beers you simply will not find in supermarkets, and in some cases, not even in many pubs across the UK.

For beer lovers, that is part of the attraction. Trying something unusual, rare or difficult to get hold of is all part of the experience.

There will always be plenty of affordable beers on the bar, but if you fancy something a little different, it is always worth checking the fridge.