The Union Jack
General Lafayette Inn & Brewery

A: Dark copper body. Large fluffy white head. Moderate retention and lacing.

S: Nutty, caramel maltiness is predominant. Slight earthy hop finish.

T: Mirrors the nose. Balanced but less complex than the better english ESBs.

M: Smooth. Medium-light body. Clean finish.

D: Sessionable. Lacking in complexity to push it up there with the better in this category.

I had this on-cask and tap in one session. See my previous review for comparison. This was excellent as well.

Taste was pretty much identical. Caramel, tofee, some nut notes along with a noticeable backbone of hops.

Mouthfeel was incredibly smooth and slightly better than the cask. Appearance was slightly worse in the color department, but good head and lacing.

If you are an ESB fan, I wouldn't hesitate in getting to the General for this gem.

After a nice dinner at the brewery, I bought a growler of this brew. It’s a beautiful, rich amber color with a nice malt and hop aroma. Caramel, bread, and soft hops dominate the aroma. It’s a mellow and distinctly English-style character. The balance is exceptional, with the finishing bitterness offsetting a solid maltiness. The hop character is floral and herbal, which suits the beer very well. Fairly low carbonation, and a very smooth and substantial mouthfeel. Quite good.

A hazy (unfiltered) amber body rests sleepily below a short white head of creamy foam that drops shortly to a thin collar and leaves only minor spotty lace. The nose is equally malty, fruity, floral and slightly grassy. It's a generic "English ale" aroma that's interesting in that it's not bold, and none of its characteristics particularily stand out; yet it offers a multitude of character if you search for it. The body is light with a mild carbonation that caresses the tongue and awakens the tastebuds while leaving it exceptionally smooth. The flavor is malty with a gentle touch of caramel that lends a note of sweeteness that's offset by floral and grassy hops. It's exceptionally well-balanced by firm bitterness, and it finishes dry and short-lingering. Quite authentic! I'd love to try this on the handpump!

First time at this establishment,poured a deap brown/amber colr with medium had,smell was very malty and smewhat hoppy.taste was chocolaty and and a little fruity with some light hoppy dryness in the ending.Very good beer fromacool Inn very impressive.