Looks:
Smell:
Taste:
Overall:
Description:
652 is our American take on the old English Pale Ale style called ESB, but this is anything but bitter. A very simplistic blend of malts reveals a smooth drinking beer that is a touch on the sweet side with a light Centennial hop aroma. Like most American spinoffs of British creations, the Brits should be thanking us for our improvements, and you will too. (Description provided by company)
Brewer:
Beer Style:
ABV:
6.00% ABV
Availability Frequency:
year-round
Containers Available:
bottle (limited)
can
draft
Locations Where Available:
Alabama
Store/Serve Temperature:
close to 55 degrees F
Comments
Hoppy amber
I bought Old Black Bear's Milepost 652 on tap at Bandito Burrito in Madison, Alabama. The beer came to the table with a thin off-white head that left ample lacing, even after the head had faded to a mere ring. Despite the beer's description as a demo of malt sweetness and bitterness, this was really dominated by the Centennial hops for me. The smell is earthy hops, a hint of grapefruit, and some kind of buttery scent. 652 tastes hop-dominated, too, with the malt mellowing the hop taste more than it adds sweetness to the overall beer taste. It is medium to light in body.
This wasn't what I was expecting for an ESB. Seemed more like an amber-colored IPA to me.