Brownings Louis XVI Guillotine ESB

Name: ESB
Date: 07/26/2003
Mode: Draft
Source: Brewfest, Nashville

light amber, fhothy white head, light sweet malt aroma, light carmel malt flavor with the perfect level of esb hops, light bitter finish

Aroma: 5/10; Appearance: 5/10; Flavor: 7/10; Palate: 5/10; Overall: 16/20
Rating: 3.4/5.0
Score: ***/4
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The score was calculated based upon the notes and an old scoring system.

Draft. I have always enjoyed ESBs that exhibit a balanced presentation of malts and hops. Brownings ESB rendition leans heavily toward the bittering hop side, or at least this batch did. It was more similar to an American pale ale than an ESB. Small, creamy, off-white head. Clear, amber body. The nose presented grapefruit and orange peel with other notes of flowers and grass. The flavor was midly sweet and heavily bitter and lightly acidic. Medium body, moderate carbonation. This was just too overpowering on the hop side.

Draft @ the Jazz Factory: Murky amber pour with a sparse white head. The aroma is harsh with heavy hop resins - grass and perfume overpower the suble caramel notes. The insane bitterness continues in the body, with an onslaught of fresh cut grass, sour grapefruit and citrus rind. There is a nice layer of flowery hops and honey malts beneath, but the bittering hops simply take over. A bit out of whack for me.

Pours very light amber with a mostly receding off-white head. Aroma of fruity English hops and mild alefruits. Taste is nicely balanced with supple hoppiness mending together with toasted malt. Mouthfeel is medium bodied and resinous with lively carbonation. Nice brew, easily quaffed.

Draft at brewpub. Poured a deep amber with an average white head that diminished slowly and had good lacing. Good well balanced mild aroma. Medium body with soft carbonation. Good bitter smooth flavor with a moderate finish. Good bitter.