ESB
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant

 

 

Murky caramel with a thick beige head. Great head retention with super-fine, thick, sticky lace. Aromas of caramel and orange/grapefruit citrus dominated, but these were mild due to the nitro. Light bitterness, but it had a pleasant presence. Very fruity and full of sweet malt, citrusy grapefruit, and earthy caramel. There was a hint of hop spice towards the end. Fine, low carbonation with a medium body and a bit of dryness. Pretty good overall. Plenty of flavour and lots of hop presence without being overly bitter. I'd probably like it more if it wasn't on nitro though.

On-tap at the Iron Hill around the corner from me (North Wales).

First time seeing this one from Iron Hill, and a huge fan of Victory's Uncle Teddy's ESB, often enjoyed on cask at Victory, I wanted to give Iron Hill's rendition a try (Brewmaster Larry tends to do it right).

Very pleased, without exception. A terrific ESB. Smooth, mildly bitter, with a thumb-width head perched nicely atop and holding on through most of the first half of the pint.

Terrifically sessionable. Low alcohol content (4.5%, I believe). Fills the mouth, makes its bitterness known, and closes with a smoothness reminiscent of Boddingtons or Tetleys.

The ultimate test... will surely drink this whence I return.

On tap at Iron Hill Phoenixville on 3/1/08.

A - Clear dark amber/caramel-colored body with half-finger white head that qickly disappeared. Very modest carbonation.

S - Faint nose with a bit of caramel malt and some mild citrus and flowery hops. Not much else.

T - Lots of caramel malt flavor with a mild hop presence. Could use a bit more hops to balance out the sweetness. Primarily caramel malt with a distinct bready finish.

M - Watery/syrupy blend with soft carbonation. Heavy sweetness across the tongue. Very slight hop bite with a short duration.

D - Not the best ESB I've had. A bit too syrupy and heavy on the caramel malts. Could use a bit more of the "B" here. Not bad, but I'm not in a hurry for another.

A: Dark orange/brown with two finger head and good retention and lacing.

S: Caramel, mint, and some flowery notes.

T: Caramel, toffee, fresh earth, and a slight fruit and flowery taste. It is very well balanced.

M: Smooth and creamy and a nice crisp, dry finish.

D: This is typical to the style as very drinkable. I hope that this is something that will be available more often and on the hand pump now and then as well.

On-tap at the brewpub.

Man, it's hard to find an ESB this good. There's a subtle grassy hop note in the background of the aroma along with a hints of chocolate and big, creamy Ringwood character. That carries into the flavor with roasted caramel to make for a near perfect balance of the malt, hops, and yeast. Very drinkable and very tasty. I hope this is still on tap next time I'm in North Wales. Go drink this.