Olde Hickory Brewery - Hickory, North Carolina USA
ESB (ABV 5.8%) (IBU 31)

[Best served in a Nonic Pint glass]

Rating: 3.5/5.0

Aroma: 6/10
Appearance: 4/5
Taste: 8/10
Palate: 3/5
Overall: 14/20

The pour was a hazy medium reddish brown with a large (2-3 finger) off white frothy head that had decent retention, reducing after a while to about a semi thin layer of film and a large collar which did allow for excellent sheeting of sticky lace.

The aroma was of a biscuit malt, an herbal hop and an earthy yeast with notes of a mild caramel, honey and a bit of dried fruit (raisins).

The taste was sweet and boldly malty with a hint of caramel and honey early on and progressed into a decently pronounced hoppy flavor with just a mild note of dark fruit at the end. The flavor stuck around for an average duration after the swallow with a moderate harsh hoppy ending.

Mouthfeel was just a tad above light in body and extremely creamy and yet a little dry in texture with nice mild carbonation.

Overall a very full flavored and smooth ESB, one that I enjoyed immensely...

Sampled: 4/2/2012