Karl Strauss ESB - Karl Strauss Brewing Company

IntriqKen

California

4.03/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Karl Strauss' "Tenth Tap" offering.
Coppery orange with a small white head that leaves behind very sticky lace.
Nose is soft citrus hops backed with a slightly smokey malt.
Mouthfeel is full of tiny bubbles and very crisp.
Initially smokey amber malt flavors get replaced with a nice crisp citrus hoppiness but don't get totally overcome.
Overall, very drinkable ESB and very nicely done in the British fashion.

Serving type: on-tap

03-04-2007 06:42:03 | More by IntriqKen

gthornton

California

3.88/5  rDev -5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Had on cask at the Downtown SD Brewery.

A: Clear light amber/brown. 1/4 inch head retained to the last gulp.

S: Subtly sweet malt forward, with well ballanced citrus nose from the the hops.

T: A very light beer, you almost taste the texture first, if that makes sense. Caramel, light toffee.

M: The creamy malt characteristics linger directly after the initial water texture that I associate with this style.

D: Very drinkable. It's difficult not to make one gulp = three gulps, because it is so easy to drink.

The subtle sweetness, and the overall ballance of this beer make for a great session beer. I recommend.

Serving type: cask

01-10-2010 00:31:20 | More by gthornton

fairwaybunker

California

4.43/5  rDev +7.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Very approachable, drinkable ESB. Nice head with a brief, almost guiness-like cascade effect towards the top of my glass. Since it's one of the company's seasonal releases and is thus in limited supply, you really owe it to yourself to try it should you be a fan of the style.

Serving type: growler

01-08-2011 03:30:55 | More by fairwaybunker