3.7 AROMA 8/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 7/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 14/20
Like the Scottish parliament is to devolution in Wales, this beer does in concept (though not quite in practice) for Wales what the Scots have in Scottish Ales. I really wouldn't think of this as a bitter, in fact. It is darker (deep chestnut brown), with a big, irregularly laced head, and once that dissipates, you have a beer that nevertheless retains a good mouthfeel, in part due to the sweet stickiness, and in part due to a burn of alcohol on the tongue. But the alcohol is quite muted and it just lends to a fruity, caramelly balance that is so very enjoyable. This did not go well with a spaghetti dinner, it must be said, but other than that, you've got a great blend of all that is great about non-stout maltiness: raisins, caramel, grape, vinousness, woodiness, honey.... Bread of heaven, feed me now and evermore.
2.8 AROMA 5/10 APPEARANCE 3/5 TASTE 6/10 PALATE 3/5 OVERALL 11/20
Reddish orange color, more malty, and on the sweet side, than bitter. I really didn't detect any hops in this bitter.
2.6 AROMA 5/10 APPEARANCE 3/5 TASTE 5/10 PALATE 2/5 OVERALL 11/20
i like maltdog's dubbel comparison below. it is like leffe brune or something. brown, with caramelly smell and caramelly flavours. sweet, hopless, with a bit of honey. doesnt leave a lot behind in your mouth. drinkable. fine. ok.
3.6 AROMA 7/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 8/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 13/20
Very dark in color for an ESB. There seems to be alot more malty flavor than I'm used to. It does have a nice bitter finish. A good beer.
3.2 AROMA 7/10 APPEARANCE 3/5 TASTE 6/10 PALATE 3/5 OVERALL 13/20
Nice floral hop aroma. Poured without a head. Flavours of caramel and licorice followed by a dry, long-lasting bitterness.
4.3 AROMA 8/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 8/10 PALATE 5/5 OVERALL 18/20
UPDATED: SEP 21, 2003 I wasn't expecting much out of this but I was surprised. It's actually a good beer. Very roasty aroma, smells like roast beef dinner. I swear I could smell meat cooking in this beer. Kind of charcoal. Flavor is fruity and bitter, alcoholic. Glad to see this made it to Texas, I saw it for the first time in a store here and bought a bottle. Wish it was cheaper.
3.5 AROMA 8/10 APPEARANCE 3/5 TASTE 7/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 13/20
UPDATED: DEC 7, 2003 Not much of a head, dark brown-read color. HUGE aroma, hits you from a foot away when pouring. I taste brown sugar, vanilla, and some ripe fruit, with a lip-smacking stickiness. Too malty, methinks.
3.5 AROMA 8/10 APPEARANCE 5/5 TASTE 6/10 PALATE 3/5 OVERALL 13/20
Amber in color with yellow edges, thick, sparkling cream-colored head. Aroma of cherries, grapes, notes of yeast. The flavor really took me by surprise with how strong it was towards the end. The initial sensations were weak, but this beast awoke at the back of the mouth.....raisins, alcohol, maple syrup and caramel all made an appearance before leaving a big and bitter aftertaste. Also, as it warmed a bit more, notes of cereal came out in the finish.....ugh! I agree with some of the other raters that Thames Welsh ESB doesn't fit the style very well.
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