We're not sure if bees actually have knees. But if they did, this beer would be it.
Whether you wanna call it Extra Special Bitter, Pale Ale or just plain ol' delicious, this well-balanced, extremely drinkable brew is what we'd hang our hats on. If that were even possible.
History
An extra-special bitter can be seen as a higher-gravity version of a special bitter. Since beer is sold by strength in the UK, these beers often have some alcohol flavor. In England today, “ESB” is a brand unique to Fullers; in America, the name has been co-opted to describe a malty, bitter, reddish, standard-strength English-type ale. Hop varieties used can be English or a combination of English and American.
Appearance
Golden to deep copper. Good to brilliant clarity. Low to moderate white to off-white head.
Aroma
Hop aroma is moderate, and uses an traditional English variety of hops called Challenger. Medium to medium-high malt aroma from Marris Otter malts, with a strong caramel malt component. Medium-low fruity esters pair with the breadiness you expect from an English yeast strain.
Flavor
Medium-high to medium bitterness with supporting malt flavors evident. Normally has a moderately low to somewhat strong caramelly malt sweetness. Hop flavor moderate.
Overview
- ABV: 5.1%
- IBU: 41.6
- OG: 1.056
- FG: 1.010
- SRM: 7.8
Food Pairing
Pair with poultry, pork, cream sauces, sausages and hearty vegetable dishes. The ideal pairing is bangers and mash, which is just a fancy way to say meat and potatoes.
