Six String ESB

A homage to the Extra Special Bitters of England, the Six String ESB uses only UK malt and hops from the U.K. This has pretty much everything you'd seek from a classic ESB; copper colour, biscuity, malty aromas with floral notes and - despite the name - not overly bitter (at least not when compared to something like, say, the Dark Red IPA). A beer like this changes greatly depending on the system used to dispense it. Served at cellar temperature from a traditional beer engine - the way UK expats demand it - you'll get a beer that's got a tight white creamy head, smooth and creamy mouthfeel and next to no carbonation. Serve the same beer through a standard refrigerated tap system and you're looking at a beer with a much lighter flavour and mouthfeel plus a slight chill haze. While some are convinced you can never fully replicate an authentic ESB unless you're in England, you can get pretty damn close. So, find this on a beer engine if you can but don't worry too much if you can't - there's plenty in this beer to be enjoyed, however it comes.

Published March 22, 2013 2013-03-22 00:00:00