Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company E.S.B. Premium Bitter / ESB at 5.6% ABV | 34 IBU (C$6.23 at NLC Stavanger, 600 ml, packaged on 31-Oct-2017, acquired 30-Nov-2017, reviewed 2-Dec-2017)
Appearance: clear medium amber with one fat finger of fluffy ivory head, excellent retention and heavy lacing. (5/5) Aroma: biscuity malt, caramel, floral, fruit esters. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry lingering bitter smooth finish. (4/5)
With so many of these, I find myself wondering why they call them “ESB” when a more appropriate name would be “BSB”: Bog Standard Bitter. This, on the other hand, is at least slightly (if not “extra”) special, due no doubt in no small part to the higher ABV, but also the higher-than-typical bitterness. It’s malt dominant, sure, but that’s stylistically appropriate, and completely expected. All in all, a pleasant interpretation of a style that all too often disappoints. (15/20)
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
