Fullers ESB (Bottle/Keg)

Brewed by Fullers
Style: Premium Bitter/ESB
London, England

This is seriously a contender for "beer of the year" in my book. If I were a sorority girl (which I most decidedly am NOT), my only appropriate response to this brew would be, "OMG!!!!" As is, my only appropriate response to this brew is, OMG!!!! I now understand the potential of an ESB, and what it should truly represent. If, as their label boasts, Fuller’s have given us the "original" ESB, then we are presented with a case of the source never being outstripped by its scions. This beer is incredibly more refined and well-rounded than any American ESB I’ve ever had, all of which usually seem (by comparison) to be overly hoppy and bitter simply for the sake of the hops and bitterness. Fuller’s, on the other hand, utilises the hops and bitterness to a complete-picture end: it gives them a purpose, and a meaning, and has something to say with them. I drank this with an amazing pork tenderloin dish at The Purple Onion Café in Saluda, NC, and the pairing was spot-on.

Excellent appearance, with a strong white head that leaves ample lacing. The grassy/hoppy aroma is evident immediately, and the taste gets better as the beer warms up. I will highly recommend this to friends.

Quite bitter little friend. Long lasting head, and also taste. Not really my favorite after all.

Mahogany colored beer with thick off-white, long-lasting head. Aroma is dry, fruity, malty and nicely hoppy. Flavor is nicely bitter with sweet fruits and caramel malts, grassy hoppy. Smooth, medium-bodied palate.

Beautiful caramel in color with a really foamy head. Aroma is kinda like cardboard (in a good way). A little peppery on the tounge as the description says. Very drinkable and refreshing. Overall I like this. The citrus notes definitley get stronger as it warms in the glass. A worthy beer.

Lovely dark colour that just promises flavour from the moment it’s poured. Small light head that remains for a fair while. Complex taste that isn’t overpowered by any single flavour, a bit too strong for a session beer but great for a pint or two.

500mll Bottle-Dark amber/chestnut in colour with a small head. The aroma is malty with a sweet citric element. Rich, bitter taste with malt and grapefruit being detected. This beer is not one which I have been too impressed with in the past, but this is really enjoyable. Very well balanced for the strength and a tasty drop!

bottle- yum. deserving of the hype. Really nice balanced somewhat spicy flavors. A robust and full bitterness complemented by floral hops and graham like malt. A classic.