I have concluded that the gooseberries taste better if you sustain injury picking them. We have just taken on the derelict plot next to ours. After strimming it revealed a gooseberry bush laden with huge juicy ripe fruit. I think it is Invicta, judging by the lethal nature of the spikes. Added bonus of a few nettles in between.
On our original plot we have a Champagne Yellow which comparatively speaking is fairly harmless. We also have a Red Hinnomaki i rescued from Wilko's reduced rack 2 years ago. It is absolutely lethal.
Still, the gooseberries are a very good crop this year. So far I have made jam, ice cream, pie, jellies and frozen loads, given some to neighbours friends and relatives. Still have 2 huge bowls left, more jam I think.