Winter Storm Imperial ESB

British Strong Ale | Limited Release | United States

By Rodney A. Tillinghast

Judges Rating: 88
Aroma: 22
Appearance: 5
Flavor: 37
Mouthfeel: 7
Overall Impression: 17

Judged by the alcohol content as a British Strong Ale (Style 17A), it settled in as a tawny brown ale with an off-beige head, with some lacing and legs.  Aromas noted included intense toffee, dark fruit, and roasted apples.  In the background, there also was a subtle earthy hop aroma, but also was a fairly evident alcohol presence in the nose as it warmed. 
English-derived dark caramel malt exploded on the tongue, supported by a woody, earth bitterness.  It certainly was on the sweet side of balanced, with hints of pears, and somewhat minty.  It seemed a rich, winter warmer, something to savor over a good book and a fire.  I appreciated the complexity of sweetness, but to me could have benefited from a little more hop character and bitterness.