Freakin' On ESB
Against The Grain Brewery

 

 

Stately and firm, the bold and delicate balance of hearty English malts and with the spicy, earthy character of European noble hops give this beer substantial character and without interferring with superb drinkability.

Pouring a medium amber color that may carry highlights of golden and copper- this English-style ESB has near-brilliant clarity, forms a froathy off-white head, and with classic retention and lace of well made hoppy ales.

Aromas of caramel, toasted grains, nuts and malt demonstrate well the masculine malt backbone and with the overcast of a note of butterscotch. Balanced with the earth, spicy, and mildly floral character of English noble hops- the beer's slight piney and zesty grass nose is a pleasant counterpart to the rich malt scent.

Much the same is expected from taste. A balance of toffee-rich caramel flavors ride along side of more nutty, malty, medium toast, buttercotch, and grain. The balance of earthy grasses, herbs, and mild spruce rises at mid palate and develops into a slight resiny bitterness to assist the crisp malt taste in finish. Somewhat minty in finish, this may be the effect of alcohol and hops comming together.

Rich textures are creamy to start and seem to favor the malty sweetness. But as the carbonation subsides, the beer turns nutty, grainy and lightening- allowing the rise of spicy hops to play on the tongue. Finishing semi-dry and with a minty-cool, mildly warm feel keeps the beer dry, crisp, and refreshing despite the slight veil of a oily feel.

The beer fits the bill on several bases. But as most American-made English-styles go, AtG's ESB favors sweetness throughout and struggles to mimich the malty-dry character that is celebrated in beers like Fuller's ESB. A bit heavier and sweeter and with the allowed admittance of diacetyl keeps this beer from competing with the best.