E.S.B. Special Ale -- River Horse Brewing (Lambertville, NJ)

This beer is exactly what I want in a bitter -- smooth, easy-drinking, something I can enjoy all evening long.  Thanks to the over-eager guests at a friend's Super Bowl party, I recently came into possession of a full case of this lovely brew.

Characteristics: Warm amber-red and slightly cloudy, medium body with light carbonation, contrasting citrus and caramel flavors that do a little pas-de-deux across the tongue before the caramel wins out on the way down the hatch.

Minor Gripes: 1. I've run into a couple bottles that were over-carbonated (perhaps skunking out).  2. The caramel finish can sometimes be a little cloying -- but that goes away if you pour another glass and start the citrus all over again.

Bottom Line: An excellent beer that compares very favorably to what I understand a proper English ESB should be (as opposed to some over-hopped American expression like Redhook's signature brew). I'm now two-for-two with River Horse, and looking forward to their next non-yellow release.

Rating: 7 / 10