Ethereal Strength Bitter
Ethereal Brewing

 

Keeping the fleeting British style afloat, the Ethereal brewers are doing their part with this charming, classic and extremely well balanced style. While not particularly bitter by today's standards, this Extra Special Bitter showcases what's best about the English ESB.

Its bright bronzen colors are gentlemanly and confident as crimson ribbons tether through its brilliant sheen. Capped by a creamy column of foam, its scent swirls around the caramel, toffee and biscuit sweetness from the choicest British malts. Its nutty and sweet taste invites fruit complexities, floral hop balance and a fuller body.

As the taste unfolds on the middle palate, a notion of honey, caramel, cashew and toffee bleed into the fruit esters of orange, apple and maraschino cherry for a taste that's pleasant of jam and marmalade. Earthy balance of sweet tobacco leaf, spicy hops and elements of fresh brewed tea keep the taste evolving as the ale warms and as the tastebuds acclimate.

Balanced down to its core, the creamy and sweet upstart implies medium balance, but its finish is drying, creamy and lush with fruit and spice. A highly refreshing taste keeps the palate rewarded without giving up any of its culinary attributes. I hope that this style, made this way can once again gain prominence among America's craft beer scene.