Bitter Pale Ale
Holgate Brewhouse / Keatings Hotel

I believe I'm correct in my assumption that this is the beer now referred to as the ESB? Pulled from hand pump at the Royston.

Nice, clear, rosy-orange body. Beautifully fine head. Creamy, wonderful, beautiful. Excellent lacing. Just beautiful.

Fruity and a bit biscuity on the nose. Hint of berries, raspberries in particular, and a rather subdued hop character. Still nice though.

Taste is also pretty subdued, but very pleasant. Clean, a bit of tropical fruit character, but not a lot of bitterness. It's very drinkable, and quite enjoyable. I just wish it had a bit more character. Mouthfeel from the cask is gorgeous though.

It is very drinkable and nice off the cask, but there's better out there...

Had this at the Holgate Brewhouse. Felt this was one of their better beers on offer.

A = Pale straw colour with thin foam head that hung around.

S = Smelt of light fruits such as apples with a faint hop aroma that followed through.

T = Initial burst of apples and pears which then follows out with a mellow bitterness that makes you want more.

M = Moderately carbonated if anything a little undercarbonated. Still good mouthfeel none the less.

D = I can easily drink a few of these on a hot summers day.

My first reaction after seeing this beer poured from a hand pump at the Holgate Brewhouse was, "wow, what a pretty beer."
It pours a crystal clear golden colour with an incredibly long-lasting head. The smell is malty sweet, and the first sip backs up your nose, however as the beer lingers in your mouth the hops come alive. You get that nice English Bitter bite in the back of your mouth that nicely balances out the sweetness. Great creamy mouthfeel and decent drinkability. It does sit a bit heavy on the belly, though.