UPDATED: APR 30, 2023 I prefer Hoyne’s same take of an ESB that drinks like an IPA. Some may thing this is a modern version, but back int the day without refrigeration ESBs would be much more Hoppy that we expect them to be and for that I’m thankful.

UPDATED: DEC 9, 2022 Good but not what i was expecting. I was expecting a completely different experience from their flagship Fat Tug. This is seems kind of like a modified Fat Tug. However in this way it delivers on what it promises, because the description does place emphasis on the hops and west coast style. This basically tastes like a Fat Tug with a darker malt to me. The malt isn't even more prominent in this than the Fat Tug, because that has a very healthy malt presence, but it is darker. I don't have any prior experience with ESBs, and honestly I still don't feel that I do know what an ESB tastes like, because this mainly tastes like an IPA to me. I guess I was expecting something a bit more blunted, and mellow, easy drinking with a dry bitter finish and interesting malt. This has a lot of citrus and tropical going on which I was not expecting. This seems like a very lively IPA with a slightly darker malt backbone to me.

UPDATED: OCT 18, 2021 Tastes more like an IPA than an ESB, disappointing. WTF Driftwood? Overly floral and fruity, not much malt to back it up, there should be some caramel and a good balance. Not a bad beer by any means but way out of style.

UPDATED: JUL 5, 2022 Can from the Strath. Mild caramalt aroma. Caramel and pepper taste, dry bready finish. Good!

UPDATED: DEC 20, 2020 The best ESB I’ve ever had... period! Outstanding flavour profile - classic and full bodied ESB.

UPDATED: JUL 6, 2019 Good foam on a copper body, smells of hops mostly with very vague bready malt hints in the right setting. Flavour is plenty of chewy malt with soft hop notes. Finish is very nice, good oiliness mixed with malt sweetness. Very fine, kind of strong for an ESB but they manage to pull it off well.

UPDATED: FEB 13, 2019 Pours clear ruby brown with very nice big & thick head. Aroma is malty, rye-like, marmalade, processed fruits, dried berries, pleasant but quite weak. Rich maltiness dominates the flavor. Bitterness is herbal and zesty. Guava, melon, tropical fruit pulp hints are revealed when beer gets slightly warmer. Sweet, herbal and fruity aftertaste.

UPDATED: DEC 25, 2018 I was skeptical an ESB could be rated so highly but this beer definitely exceeds the common ESB. Pours dark amber with good fluff of head. Potpourri and some citrus. Light bitter end. Bomber.

UPDATED: DEC 21, 2018 Can from The Beerhive. Clear amber body with a thin off-white head. Steady carbonation. Faint lacing. Aroma of caramel, weak coffee and fig. Flavour of wood and peppery rye. Medium body with a slick texture. Soft fizz. A classy beer. It’s nice to have a hoppy beer that’s not an IPA or a DIPA.

One of the more flavorful esbs I've had. Orange with creamy white head. Aromas of tropical fruit, marmalade, sweet grains. Tastes like it smells. Smooth and rich mouth feel. Excellent.