Extra Special Bitter
Russian River Brewing Company

On-tap at the Carlsbad Pizza Port. Had a clear amber hue, moderate amounts of carbonation and a sticky white head that left decent lacing behind.
Pleasant aromas of fruit, biscuity malts and mild herbal hops. Taste had a sweet fruity flavor to start before rolling over to a more crackery malt note. Gets quite dry and tea-like nearing the finish and finishes off with a nice shot of herbal hops. All the flavor aspects merge well and still maintain their own identity. Feel was medium/light in body, smooth and briskly dry.
Overall, this was a tasty ESB that's very quaffable. Another good offering by Russian River. Recommended.

Sampled on-tap as a guest-tap at Pizza Port Solana Beach (4/21/05).

This ESB poured a clear, light amber color with white foam that clung to and coated the glass and left some lace. The smell was lightly malt with a hint of hops. The taste was malty with a light sweetness and mild hoppiness. Some bitter hoppiness came through in the finish. The mouthfeel was smooth and crisp with medium body and good carbonation. There was a light bitterness that lingered. This was a good, though not spectacular ESB. I'd like to give this one another try to see if freshness was a factor.

This arrived as a plain amber color with a modest head. Lacing is present but minimal.

The smell is quite nice, as is the taste. Malts and hops hold each other in great balance. A modest hop profile takes over in the finish. The mouthfeel is good and full, and drinkability is great.