Nottinghamshire Bitter
Cartesian Brewing

Not a particularly thought-provoking example of a bitter but one that at least showcases some bitterness. A very sessionable beer that I can see it being paired easily with food.

Served from a tap in a nearly full Imperial pint glass, it was delivered. There's almost no just-off-white head, as that's the way we pour beer in Philly and besides, this isn't part of this style. So, right here in the East Passyunk area of South Philly, at the brewhouse, it can't get fresher. The brew's color is an amazing bright copper-brown that's rather translucent. It has just the right balance in its aroma of malt preceding hops, one might think this was poured in County Nottinghamshire. To taste, this is the real deal. There's just a little more carbonation than if it was served at cellar temperature from a hand pump across the pond. Maybe just a little more hop bite, too, but nothing to raise concern. For fans of the traditional English Bitter, this is a treasure. It's a great style of beer that's becoming hard to find, even in Jolly o' England. It's rich in malt flavor, yet not sweet at all. The hops add their own layer of flavor and there's not much alcohol to interfere. As it warmed, the flavors were even more appreciated. The glass lacing was scant, but the very modest head endured. It drinks a little lightly and thinly, but that's expected. This is a very good example of its style.