Now here’s a style of beer that's no longer a common sight: Extra Special Bitter. Bad Shepherd's was originally brewed in 2016 as the very first release in the Melbourne's brewery's Brew Crew Series for their British bartender Dan. For autumn 2021, ESB has returned with the name Aries, as both a nod to Bad Shepherd's own name and logo and the Zodiac sign that ends on April 19 and symbolises change. Considering the rollercoaster of 2020, change, in this case, could be considered more to a return to pre-pandemic days.
From its rich copper colour to its creamy mouthfeel, Aries is about as classic an ESB as they come. There's a mix of caramel and biscuit notes from the malt, plus berry and redcurrant off the hops and a slight fruitiness of yeast esters. It's a classic beer you don't often find classic examples of but if the ram on the label is to be believed, maybe that's all about to change?
Will Ziebell
Published April 13, 2021 2021-04-13 00:00:00