1SB - Brewers Union Local 180

RedDiamond

Oregon

2.68/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

The name references a one-speed bike, though it also establishes the style of special bitter. This isn't an extra special bitter, but its more demure forerunner, the (non-extra) special bitter. American brewers typically skip the mild or ordinary bitter and the special bitter and only brew ESBs. Given the opportunity however, the less robust members of the English bitter family also have much to offer - just not in this particular case.

1SB starts with a turbulent nitro-like pour from its forced passage through a sparkler. It sports a doughy Nottingham yeast aroma and a dark, rusty oak color. It is primarily characterized by its yeast variety with an otherwise concealed malt profile and minimal balanced bittering. The dominance of yeast character at first caused me to guess that the beer lacked for proper sanitary technique. I later came to attribute the conflicted taste to the recipe, not the process.

Not a bad beer overall, but it never really materializes and is too subtle for sustained appreciation.

Serving type: cask

10-08-2008 06:29:02 | More by RedDiamond