I always love a good English Ale, even when I am a bit surpised at the contents of the bottle.
The style of ale that Old Thumper falls into, ESB, tends to be a stronger, more bitter beer. Usually there is a bit of a bite to it. Typically, they have a higer alcohol content (as Mike pointed out last week), as does this beer. I thought this beer, while delcious, strayed a bit from what the name “extra special” forbode.
The poor filled my glass with a pretty copper bubbly beer. A nice solid head dissipated rapidly, leaving spider-web like lacings on the inside of my glass.
I had bury my nose in the vapor to pick up and discern the subtleties within the aroma. Instead of bitter scents up front, a smooth buttery malt with fruity hints. I notices a citrus scent and maybe a little apple and pear. There was also an earthy smell…almost grass-like, originating from the hops. Ringwood’s website notes of this beer, “peppery, spicy aroma.” I thought this was a burried nuance, not a prominent feature.
The beer was very pleasent in the mouth. For the style, I thought the mouthfeel that smooth and creamy. The alcohol content wss subdued, but produced a nice tingle in contrast. The buttery aromas gave was to a pleasently sweet caramel/toffee malt. There was very little bitterness as the beer sat in my mouth. I picked up on an acidic note right before swallowing. I wonder if anyone else did? RIght before the ale made its way into my throat, the bitter hop flavor I was expecting from the get-go grabbed my attention, and finished the tasting experience out pleasently.
The overall quality of this beer, was refreshing. I could see myself quaffing one (or two!) of these on a hot summer day after mowing the yard. For the style, I thought it was quite subdued, but a good beer!
Nate’s Rating:
Overall Satisfaction: 
Among other ESB's:
Among other English Ales: 
I’m really trying to find out the rest of the story on this beer. It’s brewed and bottled in Maine now, the brewer seemed to have moved it or sourced it here for brewing…but that doesn’t make it less “English” as an Ale. Perhaps it is still made in England, too. My bottle did indicate that is was made in the U.S. I noted the earthy quality along with some metallic notes on the beer. I described the beer as having a bready quality as well. I noted the hops as you did and added that I thought they were slightly citrusy in quality. The yeast type also seemed to add a touch of honey. I also noted a slight nuttiness to the beer. I called the finish slightly bitter and I also thought that the roast of the grains came through really well. Overall, I saw a couple of different qualities happening in the beer but agree with the other things you noted. Good beer and good review, pal!
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