Fuller’s ESB is a Strong Bitter brewed by Fuller Smith & Turner PLC, and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in a nonic pint glass from a bottle.

Packaging art for the Fuller’s ESB by Fuller Smith & Turner PLC

Appearance

The ale pours a clear amber and is topped by a finger-thick cap of dense cream-colored foam. The head persists briefly and reduces to a soapy collar. Its reduction doesn’t leave behind any lace or residue.

Aroma

The aroma is strongly sweet with a scent of caramel. And a hint of alcohol is detected in the background.

Check Out the Latest News Article

Almanac Beer Co. Releases “Strawberry Sournova” Mixed-Culture Sour Ale

Almanac Beer Co. released its first batch of Strawberry Sournova — a bright, tart, and astronomically fruity, making it perfect for sipping on a summer day. Read More

Flavor

The palate begins with a taste of pale malt that becomes fruity and is dried out with alcohol. Bitter flavors of wood and leaf from floral and earthy hops linger through the finish. Its base is minerally with toasted malt and a hint of chocolate.

Mouthfeel

Its feel has a light grain, is a little chewy and mostly dry with a medium body and less-than-moderate carbonation. Slightly warm and astringent finish.

Label art for the Fuller’s ESB by Fuller Smith & Turner PLC

Overall

Its appearance is acceptable and its aroma is simple but pleasant. Its dry bitterness helps make it easily quaffed. The palate is sweet, malty, and has more bite than its 35 IBUs would suggest. And it packs a fair amount of flavor into a brew that has less than six percent alcohol.

This is the original, quintessential ESB. And while there are other fantastic examples this style with more sophisticated palates and aromas, the Fuller’s ESB is a must try for any connoisseur.

The Quintessential ESB

Before 1971 there were two bitters being produced: an Ordinary and a Special. Fuller’s was already brewing a renowned Special Bitter, named London Pride. They decided to craft a stronger version of that brew and named it the Extra Special Bitter. It became so popular that other breweries began to mimic its recipe. Since that time the Extra Special Bitter has gone on to become recognized as its own style.

Recommended Pairings

Fuller’s recommends steak and chips as a food pairing with their ESB.