Flying Fish ESB Ale

Reviewed By: Rick S.
Style: Extra Special Bitter
State/Country: New Jersey
ABV: 5.5%
Serving Type: 12oz Bottle

Look: 8
Medium amber color, clear, with a foamy off-white head and decent lacing

Smell: 8
Sweet malt, caramel, subtle fruit, and earthy hops

Taste: 8.5
Caramel and complex malt flavors, balanced nicely by earthy hops


Mouthfeel: 8
Medium body and carbonation, and a creamy finish

Drinkability: 8.5
Very Smooth!

Overall Score: 8.2

Value: 9.5
Cost/12 oz serving: $1.42

Overall Impression:
I think part of the reason this beer does not receive as much credit as it deserves has to do with its classification.  Is it an American Amber Ale, or is it an English-style Extra Special Bitter?  Many of the reviews I have seen regard it as an American Amber, and as such, it has fallen a bit short.  But to me, this is clearly an ESB (the malt, hops and ale strain used are a dead giveaway people), and a good one at that!  This ESB is really easy to drink and it is fantastic with grilled and broiled food, or any type of food where caramelization is happening. 

Left Hand Sawtooth Ale

Reviewed By: Herr Rick
Style: ESB
State/Country: Colorado
ABV: 4.75%
Serving Type: 12 oz Bottle

Look: 8
Copper color, small white head, little retention & lacing

Smell: 8
Herbal English hops, sweet malt

Taste: 8.5
Up Front: Sweet malt, toasted malt. Finish: Herbal hops, some pine

Mouthfeel: 8
Medium body, low carbonation

Drinkability: 9
Very sessionable

Overall Score: 8.3

Value: 9
Cost/12 oz serving: $1.60

Overall Impression:
A pretty straightforward ESB. Not complex, with mellow flavor and aroma. The low abv allows for extended session. It would be a great beer for Newbeez to check out

Gritty McDuff's Christmas Ale

Reviewed By: Herr Mike
Style: ESB
State/Country: Maine
ABV: 6.2%
Serving Type: 12 oz Bottle


Look: 9
Dark copper color, nice head, light lacing

Smell: 8.5
Malty, caramel, slight alcohol, bread, cocoa


Taste: 9
Up Front: Malt, cinnamon, chocolate, raisins. Finish: Bread, malt, brown sugar

Mouthfeel: 8.5
Thick, sticky, syrupy

Drinkability: 9
It’s like drinking a spicy chocolate Christmas cookie! Very Quaffable! If you like malty beers, this one’s for you!

Overall Score: 8.8

Value: 9.5
Cost/12 oz serving: $1.43

Overall Impression:
This beer surprised me! It will be one of the brews I stick in my stocking next Christmas!