English ESB
This is a decent ESB-type that I've had from both cask and tap. This is the tap review. It's not impressive either way, but it's better from the cask. As I mention in my cask review, it falls prey to the common problem I have found bedevils so many US ESBs: in the effort to reproduce the comparatively low-key and restrained, but full-bodied, subtle, complex flavours of a great English ESB. It gets only the malty emphasis and low-key qwualities right, without the full range, body, or complexity. So many either make some element just to string and overpowering or end up bland. This one is one the blander side, but is better than many. It's deep, brownish amber with a small head and thin, but fairly good lacing. The aroma is mild but toasty and nutty, with nothing else really. The taste is mostly toasty bread and nut, a bit sweet, with a mild woody-earthy bitterness and a fairly crisp, nice finish. However, the bitterness and overall hop presence are too weak, only noticeable in the character, and don't balance the malt enough. It's a little tastier than some US examples of the style and is very easy to drink, pleasant, and pretty good with food, but lacks the full body and complexity.