23Jun/090
Redhook ESB
I was at a local grocery store last week, and they had a mix your own six pack with only eight different choices of beers. Tonight's sampling is from the Redhook Ale Brewery in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Redhook ESB is a very tasty blend of 2-row and caramel malts which create the beautiful copper color in this beer. At 28 IBU, this beer isn't as hoppy as an IPA, so it's got a really nice balance between the hops and malts, and the caramel malt sweetness of this beer shines through nicely in each sip.
I have never really understood why they call these beers bitters (extra special bitter). They aren't really bitter, but they do have a pronounced hop presence. This beer rings in at 5.7% ABV and is definitely worthy of future visits...