Tinderstick - Big Time Brewery & Alehouse

RedDiamond

Oregon

2.78/5  rDev -23%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

This traditional style ESB has a peculiar metallic taste that I'm guessing may be derived from excess water conditioning. Regardless of its source, the flavor is somewhat distracting and prevents any use of the word "clean" in describing the beer's character. Tinderstick is deep sorrel with a soapy head and abundant lace. A dry, powdery maltiness, papery mouthfeel, and compressed lemon-teabag astringency convey the effect that the recipe is somehow trying too hard, especially for an otherwise simple design such as an ESB. Not my cup of tea.

Serving type: on-tap

03-03-2009 02:50:41 | More by RedDiamond

GClarkage

California

3.95/5  rDev +9.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Mid September 2005. Had at the Big Time Brewery in Seattle, WA.

Presentation- via samplers from the tap.

Appearance- 3/4 inch creamy head. Orange golden pour with better than average lacing.

Smell- Light hoppy and bitter scent. Nice fruit scent as well.

Taste- Very smooth brew. Mellow bitterness with a lemon flavor hidden in the back.

Mouthfeel- Barely any carbonation to speak of. Super creamy and super smooth.

Drinkability- This would be my session brew if I lived near here. Good tasting and super easy to drink.

Serving type: cask

09-30-2005 21:21:00 | More by GClarkage

xoqx

Washington

4.1/5  rDev +13.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Well, I had this one again and had a better experience with it this time. I think last time I was reacting to the lack of hoppiness, but that could have been due to consuming it after a significant IPA. This is a good ESB.

Appearance – This arrived copper-colored with mild cloudiness. Average head retention with thick lacing.

Smell – The smell is dominated by deep, low-citrus esters with a hint of apricot.

Taste – This beer is perfectly balanced. The malts are up-front with caramel and spiced notes that give way to hops providing a restrained, but bitter finish. Perhaps the hops could be just a touch more, but I can’t argue with the balance they have achieved here.

Mouthfeel – medium-heavy with a smooth, yet bitter end.

Drinkability – Superb. A very, very drinkable ESB.

Serving type: on-tap

10-10-2005 15:49:14 | More by xoqx

ScreamForMe

Washington

3.35/5  rDev -7.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

From tap:

While I've had other Big Time brews before, I had not tried this one. The only thing I can recall about this brew was that it was a bit too hop forward for my tastes. Had they cut back on the hops a bit, I think the balance would of been much much better.

About average for an ESB...

Serving type: on-tap

03-07-2009 22:26:29 | More by ScreamForMe