You have an opportunity to stop by a Redhook Ale Brewery if you can make it to either coast. We were able to stop by the one in Woodinville, Washington though you could also swing by the Portsmouth, New Hampshire location. Like many craft brewers today, part of their company is owned by one of the big boys (A-B in this case). What that means for most of us not near those two brewery locations is that you are more likely to find some Redhook beers on your shelves wherever you may live. That is a good thing.
Brewery: Redhook Ale Brewery (Woodinville, WA and Portsmouth, NH)
Name: ESB (Original Ale)
Style: Extra Special/Strong Bitter (English Pale Ale)
ABV: 5.8%
Tasting Notes: Stored in the fridge and served in a pint glass. $8.49 for a 6-pack.
Aroma: Low hop aroma with some fruitiness (esters). Medium malt with a hint of sweetness. Slightly tinny?
Appearance: Medium to light copper color. Two finger, cream color head with decent retention and some trail. Very clear with rising bubbles visible.
Flavor: Very low hop bitterness with some astringency (dryness) at finish. Low(ish) hop flavor and medium to low malt sweetness. Some minerally/metallic flavor. Good balance with no overpowering element.
Mouthfeel: Medium body with some (tongue coating) creaminess. Moderate carbonation.
Overall Impressions: Good beer, but not great. Very drinkable/enjoyable for a style of beer than sometimes can be more bitter. Other common beers from this style are Bass Ale and Fullers ESB.
Grade: B
Redhook Ale Brewery - ESB
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