Handsworth
Revolution Brewing

 

Had on tap. Somewhat clear chestnut brown with two to three fingers of beige foam and lacing. Roasted malt, earth, herbal hops, toffee, and some kind of spice. Taste adds a layer of orange zest to the herbal hop finish, great earth, toffee and roast up front, almost coffee like as it warms. Feel is clean despite a malty and dark beginning.

 

 

 

Enjoyed on tap at the Kedzie taproom. Pours a golden-brown with a white head that leaves plenty of lace. Aroma is fruity, toasty, malty. Hints of toffee. The taste follows. Wonderful fruitiness from the yeast, lovely toffee notes with hints of some darker roasted flavors. Medium smooth Mouthfeel. Nicely layered, lovely bitter.

 

one of the better domestic esb types i have had in recent memory, and for all the crazy stuff these guys make, some of their better beers were in the basic and traditional styles. this is a little darker than most, with maybe even a pinch of chocolate malt in it, just leaning into the brown spectrum on the color. clear though, and brightly carbonated. it smells like a good fresh english ale yeast strain and some maris otter malt, on point so far. it has just a slightly richer grain profile. more sweet, but also more hoppy. hard to tell the hops, maybe some fuggles or some goldings to bitter, but its more robust there than most imports. it also has some flavor to the grain sugar, i get a hint of vanilla custard in there, odd i know, but it works. mild spice as it fades out too. one of the more layered and flavorful examples of the style i have had in awhile, and really honestly drinkable forever. i like the liberties taken with the grain bill, and the smooth feel it has is good in all seasons and with a ton of different food options. beautifully crafted esb.

While Handsworth is ok....I wasn't a huge fan. The beer was slightly darker golden with white head that left some lace. The scent carried some coffee. The taste was on the bitter side and finished with that coffee like acidity from coffee. The mouthfeel was lighter in body with good carbonation. Overall it was ok.