ESB
Green Man Brewery


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- From:
- Green Man Brewery
- North Carolina, United States
- Style:
- Bitter - English Extra Special / Strong Bitter (ESB)
Ranked #62 - ABV:
- 5.5%
- Score:
- 84
Ranked #23,525 - Avg:
- 3.72 | pDev: 12.1%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Mar 13, 2022
- Added:
- Feb 02, 2006
- Wants:
- 12
- Gots:
- 98
SCORE
84
Good
84
Good


Notes:
A malty amber ale boasting rich toasted and caramel flavors, Green Man ESB is one of our award-winning signature brews. Our blend of authentic British malts and hops creates a nutty aroma, full body, and a sweet finish. Prepare yourself for a truly exceptional interpretation of a traditional English style.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
3.83/5 rDev +3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by cmb
Draft. Good, drinkable, smooth, somewhat bitter. Fairly carbonated.
Mar 13, 2022
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by cmb
Draft. Good, drinkable, smooth, somewhat bitter. Fairly carbonated.
Mar 13, 2022
3.52 by DOCRW from Washington on Mar 10, 2022
3.94 by jmbeerdude91 from Arizona on Mar 08, 2022
3.19 by XsoldoutX from Pennsylvania on Feb 24, 2022
3.69/5 rDev -0.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by md3kcn from North Carolina
Purchased on-tap at The 2nd Act for $6.00. Poured into a nonic pint glass.
L - Rust-amber and with a slight opacity, with a one-finger pale white head that goes away quickly.
S - Caramel. Slight stone fruit. Faint nutty citrus.
T - Candied citrus with earthy undertones. Not much else, but you don't really need much else.
F - Medium body with medium carbonation. Very easy-to-drink, and refreshing.
O - A very good afternoon brew. Not too complex, and just simple enough. Quite enjoyable, and the bar for the style. I've had it before, and I plan on getting it again!
Feb 18, 2022
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by md3kcn from North Carolina
Purchased on-tap at The 2nd Act for $6.00. Poured into a nonic pint glass.
L - Rust-amber and with a slight opacity, with a one-finger pale white head that goes away quickly.
S - Caramel. Slight stone fruit. Faint nutty citrus.
T - Candied citrus with earthy undertones. Not much else, but you don't really need much else.
F - Medium body with medium carbonation. Very easy-to-drink, and refreshing.
O - A very good afternoon brew. Not too complex, and just simple enough. Quite enjoyable, and the bar for the style. I've had it before, and I plan on getting it again!
Feb 18, 2022
3.89/5 rDev +4.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by ATL6245 from Georgia
Appearance: Clear light brown, frothy khaki colored head with good retention.
Aroma: Some caramel plus apple or apricot like esters.
Flavor: Toasted malt, caramel, apple notes. Mild bitterness.
Mouth-Feel: Medium bodied. Short bitter finish.
Overall: Nice easy drinking beer. Lots of interesting malt notes and some fruity esters. A little lighter bodied than I expected, but not thin at all. Notable bitterness, but not offensive.
Jan 06, 2022
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by ATL6245 from Georgia
Appearance: Clear light brown, frothy khaki colored head with good retention.
Aroma: Some caramel plus apple or apricot like esters.
Flavor: Toasted malt, caramel, apple notes. Mild bitterness.
Mouth-Feel: Medium bodied. Short bitter finish.
Overall: Nice easy drinking beer. Lots of interesting malt notes and some fruity esters. A little lighter bodied than I expected, but not thin at all. Notable bitterness, but not offensive.
Jan 06, 2022
3.75 by JohnnyForeign from New Jersey on Jan 01, 2022
4.2 by RollDamnTide from Florida on Dec 14, 2021
4.4 by adamstef on Dec 06, 2021
3.69 by 22Blue from Kansas on Nov 27, 2021
4.01/5 rDev +7.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by Captain69 from Illinois
wonderful english style bitter - lightly malted not much hop flavor very enjoyable
Nov 16, 2021
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by Captain69 from Illinois
wonderful english style bitter - lightly malted not much hop flavor very enjoyable
Nov 16, 2021
3.92/5 rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by arizcards from North Carolina
Picked up a single as part as a mixed sixer from Ingles on Spartanburg Hwy in Flat Rock on 8-19-21 for $10.98. Best by 12/19/21; consumed 10-22-21.
Beer poured amber with a nice off white head with the original pour.
Nose has notes of toasted malts and floral hops.
Taste is classic ESB pub ale; toasted malt base combines wonderfully with a touch of orange and floral hops. Finishes with the correct amount of bitterness for the style; 6/10 on my scale.
Mouthfeel is light to medium bodied and fairly refreshing.
Overall it is always nice to circle back to one of the classic pub styles of beer and this one is nicely done!
Oct 22, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by arizcards from North Carolina
Picked up a single as part as a mixed sixer from Ingles on Spartanburg Hwy in Flat Rock on 8-19-21 for $10.98. Best by 12/19/21; consumed 10-22-21.
Beer poured amber with a nice off white head with the original pour.
Nose has notes of toasted malts and floral hops.
Taste is classic ESB pub ale; toasted malt base combines wonderfully with a touch of orange and floral hops. Finishes with the correct amount of bitterness for the style; 6/10 on my scale.
Mouthfeel is light to medium bodied and fairly refreshing.
Overall it is always nice to circle back to one of the classic pub styles of beer and this one is nicely done!
Oct 22, 2021
4.08 by vheissu15 from North Dakota on Oct 18, 2021
3.75 by kjkinsey from Texas on Oct 16, 2021
3.31/5 rDev -11%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
by stevoj from Idaho
12oz bottle from Total Wine. Medium amber pour, fizzy head. Aroma and taste are light caramel. Sweet, brown sugarnotes, light ginger. Sweet and a bit snappy.
Sep 13, 2021
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
by stevoj from Idaho
12oz bottle from Total Wine. Medium amber pour, fizzy head. Aroma and taste are light caramel. Sweet, brown sugarnotes, light ginger. Sweet and a bit snappy.
Sep 13, 2021
4.25/5 rDev +14.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by lagrluvr
it's changed a little bit over the last few years, probably because they put in a larger brewery in the mansion. and that made it change from the previous smaller system . its a special amber ale (lighter than before), decent light tan head, caramel toffee malt aromas are rich and sweet. and the taste is very much the same, with a little hop cutoff to balance it , almost. Still on the sweet side, grat. traditional feel overall, and seems pretty authentic overall. Very much a British pub vibe,
Aug 26, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by lagrluvr
it's changed a little bit over the last few years, probably because they put in a larger brewery in the mansion. and that made it change from the previous smaller system . its a special amber ale (lighter than before), decent light tan head, caramel toffee malt aromas are rich and sweet. and the taste is very much the same, with a little hop cutoff to balance it , almost. Still on the sweet side, grat. traditional feel overall, and seems pretty authentic overall. Very much a British pub vibe,
Aug 26, 2021
4.18/5 rDev +12.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by jkblr from Indiana
12oz bottle "Brewed on 05-06-21" (about 10 weeks ago) poured into a shaker half pint glass at just above fridge temp 5.5% ABV 32 IBU. The beer pours bright burnt copper in color with khaki colored head. The head recedes to a thin ring and island of tiny bubbles. The aroma is mild with nutty and toasted malt notes. The taste is semisweet caramel & toasted malt with nutty and earthy flavors and mild bitterness. The mouthfeel is medium bodied with just less than medium carbonation and a mostly dry finish. Overall, very good to excellent example of the style.
Jul 16, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by jkblr from Indiana
12oz bottle "Brewed on 05-06-21" (about 10 weeks ago) poured into a shaker half pint glass at just above fridge temp 5.5% ABV 32 IBU. The beer pours bright burnt copper in color with khaki colored head. The head recedes to a thin ring and island of tiny bubbles. The aroma is mild with nutty and toasted malt notes. The taste is semisweet caramel & toasted malt with nutty and earthy flavors and mild bitterness. The mouthfeel is medium bodied with just less than medium carbonation and a mostly dry finish. Overall, very good to excellent example of the style.
Jul 16, 2021
3.69/5 rDev -0.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by puck1225 from Texas
Had this at Jack of the Wood during our last night in Asheville while listening to blue grass music.
This is a decent beer but fairly standard. It was poured from tap into a shaker pint. Slightly murky brown color with decent head and lacing. Some smell of toffee. Taste of caramel and toffee, a bit of ripe pear at the end. Not something I will seek out.
Jul 09, 2021
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by puck1225 from Texas
Had this at Jack of the Wood during our last night in Asheville while listening to blue grass music.
This is a decent beer but fairly standard. It was poured from tap into a shaker pint. Slightly murky brown color with decent head and lacing. Some smell of toffee. Taste of caramel and toffee, a bit of ripe pear at the end. Not something I will seek out.
Jul 09, 2021
4.08/5 rDev +9.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by Taybeh from Minnesota
From a single 12 oz bottle, into a tulip, looks great, dark coppery amber, a little cloudy, not much of a head. Nose brings some nutty malt, maybe a kiss of caramel but not much...it is fairly delicate and not too pronounced. Taste is bigger and fuller: the nutty notes are definitely there, but there's also more toasty flavor, too. Also some round and mellow earthy fruit. The finish manages to marry some good rich caramel with a touch of sulfur...very nice. Mouthful and carb are medium. No bite or hoppy zip, but still a little pleasant liveliness. I enjoyed this one quite a bit. Just don't get good versions of the style near enough, and this is a good version.
Jun 22, 2021
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by Taybeh from Minnesota
From a single 12 oz bottle, into a tulip, looks great, dark coppery amber, a little cloudy, not much of a head. Nose brings some nutty malt, maybe a kiss of caramel but not much...it is fairly delicate and not too pronounced. Taste is bigger and fuller: the nutty notes are definitely there, but there's also more toasty flavor, too. Also some round and mellow earthy fruit. The finish manages to marry some good rich caramel with a touch of sulfur...very nice. Mouthful and carb are medium. No bite or hoppy zip, but still a little pleasant liveliness. I enjoyed this one quite a bit. Just don't get good versions of the style near enough, and this is a good version.
Jun 22, 2021
3.75/5 rDev +0.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by JayQue from Virginia
Good English bitter. Got a 12 oz bottle at Bottle Craft in Va Beach. Pours a hazy light brown/dark copper color with a medium size light cream color head. Some lacing on the glass. Aroma and taste feature slightly sweet caramel malt and mild bitterness. Very pleasant aroma and taste. Mouthfeel is crisp and slightly bitter. Don't know if the .abv fits the criteria for a session beer, but this is one that could serve as the centerpiece for friends getting together for a few pints!!! Nice!!!
Apr 05, 2021
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by JayQue from Virginia
Good English bitter. Got a 12 oz bottle at Bottle Craft in Va Beach. Pours a hazy light brown/dark copper color with a medium size light cream color head. Some lacing on the glass. Aroma and taste feature slightly sweet caramel malt and mild bitterness. Very pleasant aroma and taste. Mouthfeel is crisp and slightly bitter. Don't know if the .abv fits the criteria for a session beer, but this is one that could serve as the centerpiece for friends getting together for a few pints!!! Nice!!!
Apr 05, 2021
3.92 by Boone757 from Virginia on Dec 07, 2020
4.22/5 rDev +13.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by rclangk from West Virginia
10/2020 Harris Teeter
Oct 17, 2020
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by rclangk from West Virginia
10/2020 Harris Teeter
Oct 17, 2020
3.79 by Humanusfermentum from Virginia on Oct 04, 2020
3.99 by sirzekel from Georgia on Aug 12, 2020
3.67 by Simiy9 from North Carolina on Jul 05, 2020
4.05/5 rDev +8.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by SaltofOH from Ohio
Bottle best by 3/30/20. Oops. DFH Tulip.
A: pours a clear dark copper red. Half finger of off white head.
S: smells like an English barley wine. Cherries, malt, candied orange.
T: arrives sweet, with a malty, cherry/ floral, middle and an earthy, floral, bitter finish.
M: medium to full bodied, modest carbonation, but surprisingly clean for how malty it is.
O: one of the better American ESB’s I’ve had, but not the best. A touch on the heavy side, just a tad too sweet. Perhaps unfair because it was so far past date.
Jun 21, 2020
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by SaltofOH from Ohio
Bottle best by 3/30/20. Oops. DFH Tulip.
A: pours a clear dark copper red. Half finger of off white head.
S: smells like an English barley wine. Cherries, malt, candied orange.
T: arrives sweet, with a malty, cherry/ floral, middle and an earthy, floral, bitter finish.
M: medium to full bodied, modest carbonation, but surprisingly clean for how malty it is.
O: one of the better American ESB’s I’ve had, but not the best. A touch on the heavy side, just a tad too sweet. Perhaps unfair because it was so far past date.
Jun 21, 2020
5/5 rDev +34.4%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
by rayzor21 from North Carolina
Superb. The best of it's style. Perfectly balanced. No off flavors or aromas that often accompany ESBs. Smooth, medium-bodied, toasty with no harshness, caramel (but not too sweet), and very slight hints of black tea. The only problem is I have a hard time finding it.
Jun 03, 2020
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
by rayzor21 from North Carolina
Superb. The best of it's style. Perfectly balanced. No off flavors or aromas that often accompany ESBs. Smooth, medium-bodied, toasty with no harshness, caramel (but not too sweet), and very slight hints of black tea. The only problem is I have a hard time finding it.
Jun 03, 2020
4.5/5 rDev +21%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by Tilley4 from Tennessee
An absolute classic...
The beer I want to drink while watching futbol and football...
Easy drinking....smooth as silk... touches of sweetness...creamy...
I love this beer.... an amazing standby that should grace every person's fridge at some point...
May 31, 2020
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by Tilley4 from Tennessee
An absolute classic...
The beer I want to drink while watching futbol and football...
Easy drinking....smooth as silk... touches of sweetness...creamy...
I love this beer.... an amazing standby that should grace every person's fridge at some point...
May 31, 2020
2.52/5 rDev -32.3%
look: 3 | smell: 1 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
by EndeavorUK from South Carolina
Glass bottle into a clean pint glass. BBD: 5/31/20.
Poured a nice amber colour. Decent head of foam that quickly fades.
Not much of aroma. Pine needles maybe? I'm just not sure.
The taste was slightly sweet but not at all obtrusive. The IBU was 50 if I am not mistaken
I'm not sure how to describe the mouthfeel. Perhaps a bit buttery or biscut if that makes sense
Over all a very well crafted ESB and worth it. The price was around $10.99 per six-pack but a good choice. I'd give ESB from Green Man a solid A.
May 23, 2020
look: 3 | smell: 1 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
by EndeavorUK from South Carolina
Glass bottle into a clean pint glass. BBD: 5/31/20.
Poured a nice amber colour. Decent head of foam that quickly fades.
Not much of aroma. Pine needles maybe? I'm just not sure.
The taste was slightly sweet but not at all obtrusive. The IBU was 50 if I am not mistaken
I'm not sure how to describe the mouthfeel. Perhaps a bit buttery or biscut if that makes sense
Over all a very well crafted ESB and worth it. The price was around $10.99 per six-pack but a good choice. I'd give ESB from Green Man a solid A.
May 23, 2020
4.55/5 rDev +22.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
by davedog_7 from Georgia
Love this one, and is one of my go-to's when I visit Asheville.
Complex enough to be unique, but easy-drinking enough to have several in a sitting.
I either can't find them, or they don't make them in bottles anymore, it seems. Regardless, I almost always buy a 6-pack if I come across one, and recommend it to anyone who enjoys ESBs, or balanced amber ales.
May 22, 2020
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
by davedog_7 from Georgia
Love this one, and is one of my go-to's when I visit Asheville.
Complex enough to be unique, but easy-drinking enough to have several in a sitting.
I either can't find them, or they don't make them in bottles anymore, it seems. Regardless, I almost always buy a 6-pack if I come across one, and recommend it to anyone who enjoys ESBs, or balanced amber ales.
May 22, 2020
3.75 by bigred89 from Maryland on Apr 04, 2020
3.57 by DonBowman from Pennsylvania on Feb 18, 2020
4.28/5 rDev +15.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
by pubscout from New Jersey
Green Man’s ESB is a classic example of a British Extra Special Bitter—malty, toasty with a nice, subtle nuttiness. A malty nose and a smooth mouthfeel make this 5.5% beer a solid session choice!
Jan 09, 2020
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
by pubscout from New Jersey
Green Man’s ESB is a classic example of a British Extra Special Bitter—malty, toasty with a nice, subtle nuttiness. A malty nose and a smooth mouthfeel make this 5.5% beer a solid session choice!
Jan 09, 2020
3.5 by bpfrush from Wisconsin on Dec 30, 2019
5 by BigFloppyDonkeySocks from Virginia on Nov 12, 2019
3.52 by jimpyle48 from Virginia on Oct 02, 2019
3.78 by SonOfKyuss from Virginia on Sep 15, 2019
3.79 by BrewsOverHoes from Georgia on Sep 12, 2019
3.78 by DioS from Georgia on Sep 03, 2019
3.84 by MJSFS from Florida on Aug 08, 2019
ESB from Green Man Brewery
Beer rating:
84 out of
100 with
479 ratings