The Brew Review: ESB

Classic taste with a bitter twist.

A good lighter beer that can appeal to a wide audience is one that balances malty and hoppy tastes.

Radio Brewing’s ESB (Extra Special Bitter) is one of those that pulls it off.

Crafted as an English Style Ale, the ESB presents itself to the drinker as a easy sipping beer.

With a slightly cloudy golden color and mild hoppy aroma, the only thing those who order up the ESB should be cautious of is it’s 6.8 percent ABV.

Sporting a moderate to low (depending on if you like or dislike bitter beer) IBU of 57, this beer does an excellent job of disguising its higher alcohol content with a malty base line followed by a familiar hoppy/ floral finish.

The initial taste of this beer comes from the Maris Otter, crystal, and dextrin malts used in its crafting process.

This is then followed by a bitter nudge from Centennial and Cascade hops.

The ESB is great a pub beer for those who want to begin the venture out of light beer or want something that is reminiscent of a mild IPA.