Moving through Suburban's core range from pale through copper and you find their English Special Bitter. The inspiration for this beer again came from founder Tony Dichiera’s time in England, where he volunteered his time at a local brewery to increase his knowledge in the field. It's an ESB that takes on traditional English themes, using Maris Otter as a base, Challenger and East Kent Golding hops, and an ESB ale yeast.
Just like most classic ESBs, the Flat 5 pours with a ruby copper colour and sits at 5.3 percent ABV. The gentle floral esters lead you into caramel and burnt toffee malts and a touch of earthiness. The caramel takes it up a notch on the first sip, dominating proceedings before the toffee chimes in alongside some biscuit and a little nuttiness. There is a solid, full body that creates a slight creaminess in conjunction with the malt sweetness from front to back palate. The result is a traditional ESB that, dare I say it in Australia, is one that could be enjoyed through an entire session.
Matt King
