Beer Review: Fuller's ESB
A three-time Champion Beer of Britain, Fuller's ESB has made quite a name for itself in the Campaign for Real Ale's (CAMRA) annual competition. In fact, no beer has won more CAMRA awards. This Extra Special Bitter has been named Best Strong Ale seven times! The US Beverage Tasting Institute determined it to be worthy of the 'World Champion Bitter' moniker in both 1997 and 1998. How did it stand up to the ol' Brewmeister's taste test? Well...it was interesting, that's for sure! An aroma more reminiscent of a darker brew greeted me at first, and the first taste of this ale made me stop and think. Honestly, Fuller's ESB is not my cup of tea (note the smooth continuation of the British theme). Perhaps this is an acquired taste or perhaps I am not familiar enough with the ESB style itself to be fairly judging this beer. Still, it was opened & poured (and it certainly is being downed - slowly, analytically, but very, very certainly). I do like the reddish brown color, but that's not what one gets a beer for. The taste is, well, kind of bitter (hence the B part of the ESB name, I suppose), and it seemed to hit me in the front of the mouth (is that where the 'bitter' taste buds reside?). Nothing 'extra special' jumped out at me, though, and I have to say I'll probably reach for a different bottle the next time I choose to sample what the folks across the pond have to offer. No sharp 'bite' existed, and the body was solid enough, so I'd have to say Fuller's did a good job putting this brew together. Still, that taste.... -- Brewmeister G
| The Brewer? |
Fuller, Smith, and Turner (Fuller's) |
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When tasted? |
24 July 2001 |
| Place of Origin? |
Chiswick, London, England |
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How tasted? |
12 oz bottle |
| Style of Beer? |
Ale |
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Where tasted? |
At Brewmeister G's home |
Links for this beer:
Fuller's page for ESB
Fuller's Home Page
For more information about the SBR, please contact Brewmeister G. All fermented contributions are cheerfully accepted.
Layout, design, & revisions © 2001, Brewmeister G
Revised -- 21 January 2003
URL:
www.angelfire.com/dc/beer
