Updated notes 11/19/23 (pictured)

NOTE: Scores on this fresh bottle would be; 4.5, 4.0. 4.5. 4.5. 4.5

Note: This is labeled as 4.8% these days as opposed to the previously recorded 5.0%. This has been classified as an English Brown Ale in some places, but I don’t see it that way at all. It’s more of an English bitter or ESB, even if it’s a little hoppy for that, and a little drier.

Another beer that I thought I wouldn’t see again in the USA, but here we are, over 16 yers later.

Great clear, copper color and a white head with some lovely lace. Clarity is a delight.

Nose and initial tastes both have drier, hoppier notes that one would expect for a classic Bitter BUT in seconds the hops drop off for me and we’re back to a strong malt backbone holding the English character together, Drier? Yes. Hoppier? Yes, slightly, but still within classic Bitter parameters for me. This ain’t no English brown ale.

Infinitely drinkability.

For me this is NOT a classic English bitter – the malts are pushed back a little with the hop bill, and the beer definitely drier than I would associate with the style – but it’s still closest to that style. I love it anyway, and it works beautifully. Such happiness associated with just getting hold of this again. I love this beer.

Original notes 03/31/07

Green’s, Buford, Atlanta, GA, USA.

500 mL bottle. Best before 13th June 2006 so this is somewhat past the brewery recommended best, but I am still reviewing it for posterity. Usually I am not too othered by best before dates as the whole process can be some subjective, but here there does seem to be a genuine problem.

Huge, billowing head on the initial pour. Quite a lot of carbonation. Some chill haze as the light amber body form. Some good lacing.

Initial nose and tastes maybe give away the age of this bottle. There is a distinctly acidic feel about it and I suspect that the beer is beginning to suffer somewhat. Everything is usually great at Green’s, but this beer seems to be an unusual exception. Mildly sour lambic qualities that I am sure should not be present!

Dry finish with no much bitterness. Biscuit malts that I was expecting were not present either, again possibly becasue of the age of the bottle.

Note to self: re-review a fresh bottle soon.