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Buyer's Guide for Beer Lovers

British and North American Styles

The Changing Definition of Style

ESB

A fuller-bodied bitter is labeled as “Extra Special Bitter” (ESB). These weightier versions of bitter often stand up better to the rigors of travel overseas than the lower gravity standard versions. An important element of faithful bitters is the use of English yeast cultures in fermentation. These impart a fruity, mildly estery character that should be noted in examples of the style.

Interpreting the 100-point Scale

Consumers can translate the point score to the following quality bands:

Point Range Quality Band
96-100 points Platinum
90-95 points Gold
85-90 points Silver
80-84 points Bronze
Less than 80 Not Recommended
Legend
  • = Brewpub
  • ABV = Alcohol by volume
  • Date denotes the date on which the beer was tasted

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)

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)

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.

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