Blind Tiger Ichabod ESB

Generally, I would never compare an ESB (a style that I enjoy) with an amber (a style that I struggle with), but I sampled this right after the Amber and aside from the grain bill, they seemed pretty similar, overall. A clear deep copper with a thin ring of head around the edge of the glass. Roasty caramel malts up front with a hint of muted hops in the background. Medium-bodied and grainy/malty, finishing dry. The flavor is bold roasted grain with an earthy hop backing finishing quite dry and bitter. A hair better than the amber, but it still didn’t really come together for me.

Cripes, what happened here?! This was a mess. Hazy amber color. Mild malty aroma, with no esters or hops of note. The flavor is nothing but bitter, an overwhelming palate coating bitterness with little malt and no esters at all. Fairly unpleasant!

Big hoppy nose for style, with extra biscuity taste throughout. Fruitier hops at the finish remind me of pear and nectarine. Nice touch!