ESB - Fullers

An English 'Extra Special Bitter' at 5.9%
Poured into a goblet

Appearance is a clear burnt orange, copper colour.  Almost no head present, so therefore no lacing.  There is an initial fizz as the beer is poured, but there isn't much carbonation evident

On the nose, there are strong woody, earthy notes with hints of toast, marmalade and dried leaves.

The taste is pretty good.  Hearty malts produce sweet caramel with wood, biscuit and some nutty notes.  Mid-palate there is a decent punch of orange marmalade with some spice (coriander, ginger) and this develops into a strong hop bitterness with a slightly resinous and acidic feel.

The mouthfeel is light/medium bodied - even though the label professes that it is full bodied - carbonation is a tad prockly at first, but settles after a few minutes.  Good linger, mildy astringent and crisp

This is a perfect example of an ESB; It's well-balanced, there is a strong malt backbone and the hop bitterness is pleasant and not overbearing.
90% - Excellent