“Our Double ESB is a strong and celebratory take on the classic. English crystal and roast malts give a rich and chewy malt character alongside a quintessentially English hop character (floral, spice, honey) courtesy of East Kent Golding hops.”

Glassware: English Pint.

Appearance: Deep amber complexion with a fizzy three finger head emerging on top. Retention is pretty good so we’re seeing a thick and soapy lace sticking to the glass as we go.

Aroma: It’s got those hallmark bready and caramel malt-forward scents followed by toffee apple, fresh brown bread, toast, herbal spice, raisin, marmalade and subtle orange peel. A bit of a sweet nutty accent happening as well. They’ve hidden the 7.5% AbV remarkably well…can’t even get a hint of it! They’ve absolutely nailed this aroma.

Flavour: Nice transition from the nose…again, bready/toasty and sweet caramel malts dominate the fore. Just a hint of the warming booze creeping in. Right on cue those zesty orange notes come to the party – pithy orange peel and hop bitterness drying things up nicely. Caramel, toffee and light brioche carrying in to a bitter sweet finish that goes the distance.

Mouthfeel: Nice and full, chewy and gelatinous with mild-medium co2. A slight burn from the booze but honestly it’s pretty well shackled.

Overall: Holgate’s original ESB is one of Australia’s best interpretations of the style so it comes as no surprise that this iteration is practically faultless. The AbV shows through a tad but we can’t blame them for that (it is a double ESB after all!). Kudos Holgate that’s top shelf stuff.