Rock Bottom Bethesda Extra Scary Bitter

On Tap at Bethesda: I had this on tap at the brewpub. It was among the best of thier lineup. Which isn’t exactly saying its worldbeating but its pretty darn good. A nice carmale malt flavor was the main flavor. Some fruit flavors, maybe even some floral noes. Mild and enjoyable but good.

Tap at Bethesda: Clear, copper/amber color with a medium eggshell head. Aroma is not what I would expect for an ESB. Sweet malt, fruit, mildest of hops. Weird taste here - I’m getting some sweet malt, brown sugar, dark fruit, no hops, or caramel or earthy flavors. Has a sweet malt backbone, but just no earthy/bitter/caramel notes to back it up.

(Bethesda) Clear copper body with off-white head. Aroma is weird -- medium sweet, anise, artificial cherry, and something else unpleasant. Taste is pretty much the same, complete with an unpleasant unidentified flavor. No hops discernible! Medium body.