6.4

Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 5 | Flavor - 7 | Texture - 6 | Overall - 6.5

Cask at Crewe Dog, Crewe. Pours golden brown with a small off-white head and good lacing. Not much of an aroma – just vague hints of hops and nuts. In the mouth it starts off bitter but quite juicy, with some traces of spices and underlying sweetness. Traditopnal hops and thick cut marmalade provide the initial flavour, and the spiceiness increases. Hints too of raisins, oranges and mango. Finish is bitter and slightly dry. This is reasonable but not really packing enough punch to be considered an ESB – just a premium bitter.