96 Fuller’s Original ESB, Fuller’s Griffin Brewery (England). 5.9% ABV (3/11)
Bright amber color. Aromas of butter caramelized dried fruits, rye flour and honeyed dark raisin baguette with a silky, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, grilled root vegetable, mild coffee and sautéed escarole-like hop finish. A wonderfully balanced ESB that is world class.
94 Ellie’s ESB, Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery (NC). 5.2% ABV (2/13) %{Brewpub}
Deep amber color. Well meshed aromas of herbal European hops and bready malt with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a long, symphonic finish with layers of dried fruits, nuts and delicate peppery, leafy hops. A paradigm of the style.
93 Brewer’s Share ESB: Extra Special Barney, Full Sail Brewing Co. (OR). 6.5% ABV (2/12)
Pure copper color. Bright aromas of honeyed citrus, toasted baguette and nuts with a crisp, frothy dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a long, vibrant hop-and-grass-accented finish. Delicious and satisfying.
90 Moylan’s Extra Special Bitter, Moylan’s Brewing Co. (CA). 5% ABV (2/13)
Bright amber color. Aromas of grapefruit marmalade and apricot butter on toast with a crisp, fruity-yet-fry medium-to-full body and a juicy marriage of fruity malt and hops and roasted root vegetable and greens nuances on the finish. A really nice hoppy take on the style.
87 Bitter Cold ESB, Goose Island Beer Co. (IL). 5% ABV (3/11)
Bright amber color. Roasted chestnut, fig paste, cocoa and pumpernickel toast aromas with a supple, soft, dryish medium body and a very smooth, mocha cream and jicama-accented finish with mild grassy hops.
87 Vinny’s ESB, Faust Brewing Co. (TX). 6% ABV (2/13) %{Brewpub}
Hoppy aromas of grapefruit marmalade on brioche lead with chocolate yogurt following. Supple and chewy with a dry-yet-fruity medium body and an astringent bakers cocoa, grilled greens and pepper finish. Best with food; serve with chili.
86 Ice Pick Ale, Silverton Brewery (CO). 6.8% ABV (3/11)
Reddish copper color. Bright aromas of buttery frosted peach danish and a dash of grapefruit marmalade with a supple, finely carbonated dryish medium-to-full body and a nice mélange of grilled turnip and carrot, cocoa powder and citrus zest and mesclun-like hops. Tasty.
86 Lupulus ESB, CervecerÌa Kross (Chile). 5.8% ABV (2/12)
Pale amber color. Aromas of peach jam, buttery caramel and cinnamon apple danish with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a very crisp, grassy, herbal and citrusy hop finish. Solid and appealing.
86 Lilith, Birrificio Brùton (Italy). 5.5% ABV (10/12)
Hazy copper color with a taupe head. Aromas of caramelized nuts and figs with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and highly-roasted grain and nuts and hint of phenols on the crisp finish. A refreshing food beer.
Leave a Reply