Brutal Bitter Ale
650ml/22oz bomber poured into a nonic pint glass. A - Cloudy amber body with a frothy rich light-tan head. Some sediment traces settle on the bottom of the glass. Very good lacing and head retention. A bit pale for an ESB though. S - Very fruity, with many different notes (apple, citrus, plum). Some caramel, a touch of honey, and a nice floral feel to it. T - Very fruity from the beginning to end. A decent hop bite. The maltiness is quite complex, but not as complex as in original English ESB's. The bitterness was quite mild at first, but as I was drinking it, it became more apparent. The finish is bready, with some bitterness, and a hint of citrus. M - Definitely medium-bodied. Some crisp carbonation. Pretty soft on the palate. D - Decent. It's quite filling, and I cannot see myself drinking more than the one bomber I had, though. Overall, this is a good Rogue ale, but I'd still stick with the traditional English ESB's.