Zeswaft (1000), Seattle, Washington, USA
| 3.5 | Aroma | Appearance | Flavor | Palate | Overall | | 6/10 | 3/5 | 7/10 | 3/5 | 16/20 | Jan 4, 2006 I’ve never really had an ESB before and I’ll assume that this is a one of the best of the style. However, I’m not that impressed. It’s all well blended together but it has a stale bitterness that takes me nowhere. asheft (1383), Marburg, Germany
| 3.7 | Aroma | Appearance | Flavor | Palate | Overall | | 6/10 | 4/5 | 7/10 | 4/5 | 16/20 | Jan 1, 2006 [bottle]
Clean rich amber with a clingy, white, thin cover. Aroma is entirely American hops and nothing else (okay...maybe a touch of caramel malt). Interesting malt character in the taste: biscuity 2-row with some very light crystal. This is nicely complimented by light hops flavour and moderate bitterness; spicy, medium sweetness. Medium to light body with medium carbonation and a clean finish. mrnutsnbolts (204), Berkeley, California, USA
| 3.7 | Aroma | Appearance | Flavor | Palate | Overall | | 7/10 | 4/5 | 7/10 | 3/5 | 16/20 | Dec 30, 2005 Tap @ Alesmith. Smells more malty than other ESBs, with some hints of citrus and sugar. Tastes maltier than expected with a little bit of hoppy bite, but overall very balanced. Smooth, yet satisfying. ElGaucho (1730), Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| 3.1 | Aroma | Appearance | Flavor | Palate | Overall | | 7/10 | 3/5 | 6/10 | 3/5 | 12/20 | Dec 26, 2005 Sweet malt aroma with a hint of strong alcohol and some saffron notes. Beautiful amber body with lots of very small particalia. Small, off-white head and not much lace. Flavor is like a lo of malty ambers I’ve had. Not very ESBish at all. Doesn’t remind me of Fullers or Redhook’s ESBs at all. Not much bitterness at all. Not bad, just a little thin and undistinguished. Very uninspired. GregClow (2495), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| 3.9 | Aroma | Appearance | Flavor | Palate | Overall | | 8/10 | 3/5 | 8/10 | 4/5 | 16/20 | Dec 18, 2005 Bottle from Whole Foods, San Diego - shared with Ralph, HogTownHarry, blankboy, DougShoemaker & mds. Slightly hazy golden colour with a small head. Aroma of orangey hops, tea, caramel malt and buckwheat honey. Flavour follows the aroma very closely. A solid, balanced, flavourful ale - would definately be a favourite session ale if it was available up here. blankboy (3201), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| 3.9 | Aroma | Appearance | Flavor | Palate | Overall | | 7/10 | 4/5 | 8/10 | 4/5 | 16/20 | Dec 18, 2005 Bottle shared with HogTownHarry, GregClow, Ralph, DougShoemaker & mds -- courtesy of GregClow. Pours a hazy dark orangey-brown with a small white head. Beautiful but subtle aroma of earthy hops with just enough caramel malt to balance it out. Flavour is also a perfect balance of sweet malt and fruity hops -- it’s really tasty and goes down so easy. Medium bodied. As good an ESB as I’ve had and a perfect session beer. jerc (3885), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| 3.3 | Aroma | Appearance | Flavor | Palate | Overall | | 6/10 | 3/5 | 7/10 | 3/5 | 14/20 | Dec 18, 2005 Orange tinged amber body with a small white head. Mild earthy hops, touch of caramel in a muted but pleasant aroma. Very mild bitterness, and caramel with a mild fruity earthy character to it. Flavour is pleasant but delicately slight. Light but appropriate palate. A nice treat courtesy of HogTownHarry. Enjoyed this less than I probably would knocking back a few pints of it at a bar. tupalev (2611), Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| 3.9 | Aroma | Appearance | Flavor | Palate | Overall | | 8/10 | 3/5 | 8/10 | 3/5 | 17/20 | Dec 17, 2005 Bottle graciously given to me by Hogtown Harry (what a guy!) to share with Jerc. Light hazy brown with a small white head. Nice strong earthy hop aroma - sweet and fruity. Nice ESB taste - a balance between sweetness, fruit, and hops - wonderful. Medium body. I call session! This is as good of an interpretation of this style in North America that I have found.
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