Beer: Old Tankard Ale

Brewery: Pabst

Abv: 5.8%

Serving Method: Can poured into pilsner glass

Beer Style: ESB (Extra Special Bitter) Not Bitter, this is an Old English brewing term meaning balanced.

Background: ESBs are a beer style that don’t see a lot of air time in the United States. Nor do they really get featured on this blog often. I enjoy them though. An ESB is a good balanced beer with fruits and minerals.

Normally, I wouldn’t count on Pabst brewing a beer like this. They’re famous for PBR, the cult elixir of the hipster crowd. No, this ESB predates those folks. It is about flavor, not nasal piercings or crazy retro facial hair.

Taste & Aroma: This is a classic ESB. It is full of dark fruit aroma and flavor. My nose picks up dates and raisins, and just a hint of bread, possibly pumpernickel. This aroma is enticing, and it makes me want to try this elegant, yet affordable ale from the tap. The crisp start followed by plum, raisin, pineapple, and a lighter mineral finish makes this an ale worthwhile trying.

 

Final Analysis: I want to try this on draught. This is delicious and it is worthwhile having again but from the keg. Check this out.