Big Red Beard
Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro

Handsome coppery brew with a quickly fizzling head in the chalice. Warm and malty with a modest spritz on the tongue. Clean malt flavors with roasted barley, a nutty touch, and just enough sweetness. A welcome alternative to the IPAs. Tastes like a somewhat amped-up Oktoberfest, though without the Euro hops. Actually, the surprise is how pleasantly and lightly hopped it is. Enough for balance with the malt but makes you realize how over-bittered so many American versions are. Overall, a better than average ESB style brew. From the 22 oz bottle with new-style BBB label. No apparent date but label notes 30 IBUs.

22oz bottle poured into 14oz teku. Poured a clean, clear medium-dark copper color with a half-inch of just off-white head that had low retention and no lacing.

The aroma was lead by mildly sweet, and lightly biscuity malts, with some soft, floral hops on top.

Very similar on the tongue; mostly sweet malts, some floral hops, and the addition of a moderate, yet notable, kick of hop bitterness.

The body was light and smooth, with a sweetish finish.

Drinkability was good, the 22 was gone quickly as my after work beer.

Overall, a fairly solid version of the style. worth a shot if you see it.