Extra Special Bitter
Hereford & Hops Restaurant & Brewpub

Although this is described as an English-derived E.S.B., the brewer notes that they have "given this deep ruby ale an American influence. Heavily hopped with three different American hop varieties, the hop aroma and flavor are citrus-like and pungent."

With that said this ale has an amber-ruby body with nice head formation that lingers. Very strong hop aroma - primarily Cascade hops, so this E.S.B.'s aroma reminds me of a dry-hopped pale ale in the Pacific Northwest style. Taste is balanced between citrusey hop bitterness and caramel maltiness, however, as the beer warms the bitterness lingers and begins to dominate. The body is medium, but perhaps a bit cloying for an English E.S.B. Overall, a satisfying ale - not exactly true to its style, but very good nonetheless.