Draught at Deep Ellum, 5/3/15
I don’t know what’s worse, the beer or this brewer’s website. Probably the website...Here’s an excerpt pulled directly from it

"It’s simple really, I brew the kinds of beer I‘ve always enjoyed—English ales, German porters and Russian stouts—that don‘t need coffee or bacon rinds to truly stand out."

Yep, this guy is a big fan of German porters. I’d like to just do a mic drop here and end the review, as this joke of a brewer/brewery is well-reflected in the beer, but I suppose, in fairness, I shall expound.
The beer is a clear brass-golden with a small off-white head. The nose is initially moderately hoppy, with mainly citrus and floral aromatics. Bits of crystal malt toasted notes can be found, as the beer warms and the hops seem to lessen more and more, giving way to the malt. A bit of buttercream (not diacetyl) and just too much sugar eventually.
As such, the beer begins with a very basic c-hop flavor on top of a caramel and sourdough maltiness. Light earth and yeast notes are noted, and the sweetness builds up more and more on the palate, rather saccharin-like and quite off-putting.
Really surprised this is brewed at Ipswich, as their yeast usually ferments to very low FGs. I don’t know if the brewer specifically wanted something malty, or what happened. I guess, taken as an English Pale it’s more palateable, but the last half of the pint was just a sugary mess with much more bitterness/acidity than actual hop flavor. Kind of surprised Deep Ellum has this crap on tap.