Stoudts Scarlet Lady Ale ESB

Poured a dark red copper color, with a thin off-white head. The aroma was not pleasant--there was a prominent, bitter, metallic smell present. The flavor wasn’t any better: There was no distinguishable malt sweetness, and the hops flavor was grassy, metallic, and very bitter. The feel in the mouth was thin and watery. Underline the B in bitter; this was an unexpected disappointment from Stoudts.

Bottle. Reddish copper color. Mouthfeel is pretty thin, medium carbonation. Flavor is slightly sweet with some subdued hop presence. Very enjoyable and sessionable.

12 Oz Bottle. Washed out salty grain husk aroma. Pours a reddish amber with a froth of off-white. Flavor is a thinned out, lightly sweet oak. Not enough density, texture or flavor. Malts are mediocre. Hops behind. Not respectable.

12 oz. Clear copper-brown with a small creamy head that lasts well. Spicy caramel aroma. Spicy caramel front has nice bittering balance. Slight tart fruit and grain flavors add a nice depth. Dry cocoa on the balanced finish. Smooth palate is medium-bodied and watery. Great session ESB.

Pours a clear, dark amber color with a small, dirty head. Detecting a hint of caramel and malt in the aroma. Malty body dominates the tiny, bitter finish. Could be a tad bit drier.

Very little head, flavor is slightly bitter but not overwhelmingly so. A distinct aftertaste, which sticks around for a short while after each sip. Definitely enjoyable.

First thing I noticed while pouring out of 12 oz. bottle was the head was slim to none. Flavor was full malt. Pours a darker amber color. Upset over the cardboard after-taste. But before that, was happy!

12 oz. bottle. Pours a slightly hazy amber with a moderate off-white head that disappeared before mid-glass. Pleasant aroma of caramel malt and some hops. Flavor was initially malt, followed by some dry, astringent hops. The hops bitterness lingers for a bit after the swallow.