Fans of Eagle Bay Brewing’s ESB, rejoice! The classic has returned with a maturity that befits the barrel aged journey upon which it has travelled. This one-off, 1,000 litre batch has been aged for three months in ex-Whipper Snapper whiskey barrels that previously nurtured last year’s Black Vanilla release.
The draught only release comes with a crema-like head that laces the glass like cobwebs. Toffee and muted dark berry aromas tease at the toasted, coconut covered caramel and light vanilla flavours that impress on tasting. Although any whiskey characters are minimal, the third use staves clearly still have more to give as barrel tannins dry the mildly bitter finish.
The lessons of Black & Tannin, Forest for the Trees and Black Vanilla have provided the brewers with a deep understanding of timing and restraint. It shows in this luscious beer and proves that, beyond sours, barrel aging a moderate ABV beer can incredibly worthwhile.
This limited run ESB is available from the brewery and select WA outlets.
Guy Southern
Published February 6, 2018 2018-02-06 00:00:00
