Full disclosure. This is not an impartial review because I am having what is no longer a secret torrid affair with this beer. If the Red Racer ESB was a song, it would be Centerfold by the J. Geils Band. She’s been my ‘homeroom angel’, my exclusive session beer for the last few months whenever I found myself seated at some of my regular beer haunts like the Alibi Room or The Whip seeking the comforts of a good quality draft. And now that she’s been turned loose to the swarming, teaming, yahoo car camping masses in the form of a sassy new can, I think she’ll be playing the field a whole lot more.
The ESB (Extra Special Bitter) style is essentially an English pale ale, which can be a bit misleading as it really is only moderately bitter at 25-55 IBU (American IPA’s in comparison are typically 50-80+ IBU).
The beer pours a lovely clear red amber with a nice foamy white head and has a floral and hoppy aroma with a whisper of fresh citrus. This medium bodied beer has a smooth and full flavoured taste, which is artfully balanced with a beautifully complex blend of malt and hops that makes this ale highly drinkable and very enjoyable.
Suggested pairings: a bar or summer patio seat, arugula vinegrette salad, roast or smoked chicken, all types of curry.
Brewer: Central City
ABV: 5.6% *NOTE: the ABV on the can was misprinted at 6.5%
Category: Extra Special Bitter
Appearance: 4
Aroma: 5
Flavour: 5
Mouthfeel: 4
Overall: 4
Score: 22/25
Availability: 6-packs available at Brewery Creek, Firefly, Viti, and select BC liquor stores
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Brewmaster Gary Lohin (recently anointed as “Gothak” the Norse God of Hops at Hopapalooza’10) and his team at Central City, are doing such a great job at putting Van on the map for craft beer. Can’t wait to bring this camping.
Great beer but I prefer the IPA
The underground Gothak followers are quite a strange bunch and prone to condescending arm waving outbursts of beer geekery. I suggest carrying a 20 sided dice or tournament pack of Magic the Gathering as an offering to mollify their aggression.
I believe the Gothak appreciation society officially formed as early as December ‘09, at the Alibi Room’s 100th tap rotation blowout. At least, that’s the first time I saw it in print form.
Go Gothak go. The 2010 Imperial IPA we just got a sneak peek at on Wednesday is a thing of beauty.
AMO! CERVEJA QUEM SABE CHEGA EM NOSSO PAIS PARA SABOREAR. JÁ TOMEI IMPERIAL MAIS O FORMATO DA LATA E BEM DIFERENCIADO,NO CALOR SEMPRE CAI BEM ESTA CERVEJA ESPECIAL COSTUMA TER UM SABOR BEM DIFERENCIADO.
^ Ha ha ha, si si…
….wtf?
I heart google…
LOVE! BEER YOU KNOW ENOUGH IN OUR COUNTRY to taste. I’ve had IMPERIAL MORE CAN AND FORMAT OF WELL DIFFERENTIATED, NO HEAT IS ALWAYS GOOD BEER experts usually have a taste very distinct.
lol… portugese, or so it seems.
An attractive well balanced brew!
Appearance is exceptional, Nice color and great head retention.
Great flavour from the Cluster hops, and I think East Kent Golding finishing hops, well done Central City.
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