 ClarkVV (3547), Allston, Massachusetts, USA
Jan 10, 2008
Bomber drunk on 11/13/07, at about 12-15 months of age.
Lovely pour, despite the obvious filtration, showing a clear, bubbly copper body with a surprisingly large, well-retained white head. Light lacing ensues. No sediment on the bottom.
More surprises in the nose, where hops are still prevalent. Pleasantly grainy, crisp pale malts are well-attenuated and complement the saaz-like grassiness. Strong citrus builds up on the end of the saaz aromatics, climaxing with some light pine resin. Not oxidized or stale in any way, and with some mild fruit esters. Medium to medium-high strength of aroma with emerging lemon poundcake sweetness as it warms (citric hops and sweet pale malts). No alcohol or flaws.
Sweet maltiness in the flavor still comes on strong for being over a year old and the hops aren’t far behind. Honey notes are moderately sticky, with a touch of earthy/bready grain notes, finishing with citric (lemon and white grapefruit) hoppiness that are augmented with sticky resins. The mouthfeel is still full of carbonation that is surprisingly engaging. Acidity builds up a bit too much by the end of the bottle and the texture remains creamy, driving home the sweetness. But some semblance of balance sort of wins out in the end. Very little complexity though. Alcohol is not noticed, no flaws.
No doubt this must have been obnoxiously hoppy/acidic when fresh. Glad I waited til now to try it.
Brigadier (829), Chagrin Falls, Ohio, USA
Jul 9, 2008 22 oz bottle
I finally caved in and picked up a bottle of this at the local shop. The fact that it has held up this well for so long indicates that they’ve done an excellent job of keeping it cool. I certainly didn’t expect something that had been in stock for at least ten months to still be fresh. I wish I had room for an extra bomber or two for daily drinking. Maybe one day Boulder Beer will rerelease this perfect summer evening beer.
Aroma / Appearance - A huge bleach white head settled above the transparent golden/copper body. From it came the scents of floral sweet hops, grape soda, brown sugar and taffy. Combined they formed a nice inviting mixture.
Flavor / Palate - The leathery start soon yielded to sweet malt balls. The nutty finish faded quickly as did the bottle. This was so easy drinking that it was gone before I knew it. For a special occasion beer it was quite good.
Lubiere (3144), Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Jun 25, 2008 A lightly hazed dark golden ale with a thin off white head. A rather funky hops signature, with notes of Worcestershire sauce, brine and signs of oxidation. In mouth, metallic hops and sustained maltyness, toffee. Past its prime, but still not too bad for a 2 year old ESB.
wickedpete (514), Lexington Park, Maryland, USA
Jun 15, 2008 Thanks to Jason for this one. Light amber color. Aroma is malty sweet, brown sugar, caramel. Flavor is light brown sugar, caramel, subtle dry bitterness.
kmweaver (1808), Takoma Park, Maryland, USA
May 30, 2008 22oz bottle, courtesy of jasonp. Thanks, Jason! Pours a bright, slightly hazy golden-orange color with a reddish tinge; off-white head with excellent fine-bubbled lacing. Lots of English bittering hops in the aroma; earthy, spicy, and slightly astringent with a light malt background. Medium mouthfeel: chewy breadiness, English hops, and a bit of residual sugar; not as dry as needed, nor with much clarity from the English hops; a fair amount of lingering sweetness / sugar; a touch of tartness, even. Medium finish: sugar, citrus, and basic breadiness / earthiness.
ryan (1673), Beltsville, Maryland, USA
May 30, 2008 Mostly clear amber body with a small white head. The nose is grainy malt, light citrus and caramel. The flavor is bread, grapefruit, tangerine, caramel and cotton candy. Medium body is a bit thin with light carbonation.
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