Fuller’s ESB, replacing an older Burton ale in 1971, became firmly established as the archetype of a stronger, maltier and usually darker variant of English bitter, and it is good to see that in these US-craft-dominated times, many British microbrewers still produce one. This is Arbor Ales’ interpretation, a brewery in Bristol; thanks Craftmember for sharing the can. Off-white, thin and open, quickly breaking head on an initially clear amber-glowing orange blonde beer with vague beige-tinge, misty with sediment. Aroma of dry straw, bread crust, bitter tea, rusk, unripe apricot, dried nettles, moist white pepper, vague beef stock (from proteins). Restrainedly fruity onset, dryish with vague unripe apricot and apple peel hints, faint sourish undertone, softish carbonation; slick rusk- and bread crust-like, but elegantly slender maltiness, acquiring a herbal and floral hop bitterness further on, reminiscent of grass, dried field flowers and a dash of pepper, but generally remaining mild – if stretching out over a long distance nonetheless, doing what it is supposed to do. Could do with a tad more maltiness for an ESB (especially when compared with Fuller’s archetype), but by itself, this is a well-structured, highly drinkable, correct English style ale.

Panda at home, thanks to Fergus, 04/10/22. Deep copper with a moderately appointed just off white head. Nose is biscuit, toffee, candied fruit peel, straw, grains, light herb. Taste comprises biscuit, caramel, sugars, pecan nut, toffee, dark fruit rinds, brown bread. Medium bodied, fine carbonation, semi drying close with a mellow bitter edge. Solid ESB ... leaning to a Strong.

Can at home picked up from HOTM. A clear amber coloured pour with a lasting beige frothy head. Aroma is nice fresh piney hop, toffee biscuits, grass, light raisin , layered malts, little rye bread. Flavour is composed of semi sweet, nice fresh layered malts, toffee, biscuit, rye, grass, grassy pine, trail mix. Palate is semi sweet, rounded, moderate airy carbonation. Nice nice malt and hop combo.