Wells & Young’s Brewery Bombardier Glorious English Premium Bitter / ESB at 5.2% ABV (C$3.99 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 500 ml, best before 18-Aug-2016, reviewed 23-Mar-2016)
Appearance: clear deep amber with one finger of fine light beige ivory head, excellent retention and good lacing. (5/5) Aroma: caramel and toffee, nonspecific fruity esters, earthy. (6/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-low bitter. (6/10) Palate: medium body tending to watery, moderate carbonation, off-dry slightly astringent finish. (3/5)
“Glorious”? I think not. “Acceptable,” perhaps. I’m trying to avoid my tendency to want everything to taste like an IPA or a sour, but really, this is pretty plain. The other thing about this is, it’s really very reminiscent of their Sticky Toffee Pudding. In fact, when I reviewed the Sticky Toffee Pudding, I said it was like mixing “one unremarkable ESB and one bag of Werther’s Originals.” Well, I think this is that unremarkable ESB. It’s not terrible, and I could see drinking a large amount of it in some small dark pub, but it’s not exactly going to thrill you. (13/20)
My 223rd from the 2010 Edition (212th from the 2013 edition), and 234th combining both editions.
6.5/10 #1001beers #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
