Black Forest ESB

Brewed by Black Forest Brew Haus
Style: Premium Bitter/ESB
Farmingdale, New York USA

Serve in English pint

Deep amber-brown beer with a thick tan head. A touch of ruby colour as well. The nose is quite bready. Light caramel and a kiss of light nuttiness along with some sweet toffeeish character. There is a bit of light spicy/herbal hoppiness along with a bit of molasses/treacle sweetness. A bit of orange citrus on the back but with a bit of woody spiciness. Pretty tasty, if sweetish, ESB. I’m glad to see these guys brewing UK-style beers.

Growler at Brewpub. Unexpected aroma of toasted malts (I really expected a lot of hops). The flavor is toasted malts, nutty, bread. Not very sweet. The appearance is a nice dark amber red color, off white head. The finish has a piney, astringent hop taste. Medium mouthfeel. I expected something akin to Bass Ale, and I got something more like Blue Point Toasted Lager. The beer is ok, but in this case I didn’t like being surprised.

Tap at the brewpub. Aroma of big toasted malt. Flavor of toasted malt, nuts, yellow-orange fruits, increasing bitterness. Nice one.

On tap at the brewpub. Pours a dark amber with a thick off white head. Aroma of floral hops, fruits, and lots of bready malt. Flavor has lots of bready and toasted malts. Some light fruits come out too, but this beer is mostly dominated by the bready malt notes. Very enjoyable and drinkable. 7/4/7/4/14 (3.6/5)