Extra Special Bitter
Jasper Murdock’s Alehouse, Dining Room & Microbrewery (The Norwich Inn)

 

 

Had on tap at the Norwich Inn in VT on October 2, 2010. This beer is back on tap so I would assume it is no longer "retired" but it sounded like this was one time brew of 5 barrels.

A: Pours a dark amber color with a one finger off-white foam head. No real lacing.

S: Very interesting scents on the nose, some floral hops with a decent amount of malt character in the forms of rum bread, caramel and maybe some vanilla. Very sweet scents.

T: Just like the smell, lots of malt flavor up front with some nice bitter hopping throughout. Very interesting but put together nicely.

M: Leaves a nice bitter taste on the palate.

D: The menu says ABV of 5.8%. A tasty bitter offering with enough sweet malt character to balance it.

I'm impressed with Jasper Murdock's Brewpub. It won't be long until I'm back there to enjoy some more of their great English-style beers. Besides a pint of the red ale, the extra special bitter was my first choice. I was disappointed that they only had the red ale in bottles for purchase, although I was happy to purchase some to share with friends back on the west coast.

The bitter ale was light with complex malt and hops characteristics, and the perfect accompaniment to my quail and wild rice dinner served on their patio. That evening, I ordered a pint to take up to my room at the Norwich Inn.

What a great experience: The Norwich Inn and Jasper Murdock's Brewpub.

Poured brick red--almost a tarnish. Perfectly clear without any head. The aroma was straight malts and hops. Very clean nose. The flavor is more malts and hops. Was that rum I picked up too? There's something just a tad sweet tad I can pick ot on the tip of my tongue too. Also, there was a slight fruity apple tone. I crave this beer on cask. Medium body. A great brew I will miss when I leave.

If you've been to a Vermont antique store, you've seen the color of this ale, that thick-varnish brown on a piece of solid furniture. This is a well-constructed, sturdy ale, with the hue of rich reddish brown. It suggestes warmth and comfort, and that's what you get. While there is a Taaang note (like the old indie punk record label, a general bitterness that simply let's you know it's there, and then succumbs to the sweeter side,) this experience is all about warmth.

The hop character is mostly in the nose. The malt character in both flavor and mouthfeel (round, and not at all cloying) is very, very appealing. I wanted to sample more of Jasper Murdock's offerings, but couldn't drag myself away from this one. Recommended.