Central City - Red Racer ESB

Slowly but surely, Central City products have been making their way across the provincial border to wet the tongues of eager Albertans.  Last summer we had our minds blown with the hop assault of the Red Racer IPA, quickly becoming the favorite of practically every hop head in the city.  Followed up by the dangerously drinkable Red Racer Pale Ale.  While still being on the heavier side of the hop, it offers a well rounded smooth drink.  Talk of the ESB by Vancouver friends have had every Red Racer fan buzzing with excitement, dreaming for the day is makes is way over.  Well dreams do come true.  February marked the arrival of the the Red Racer ESB, bringing another addition to the pin up collection, and she doesn't disappoint.

Pouring a  much deeper amber than the other two Red Racers we've seen.  A full malty nose, along with the signature hop blast we've come to expect from Central City products.  The flavor is wonderfully balanced, a rich English malt base, light caramel and nutty tones.  A smooth easy drink, with a slight metallic finish.  Earthy hops, moving away from the citrus heavy hops of the west coast, this beer really embraces the English ESB style.  A lively beer with crisp medium carbonation, thick off white head and light sticky lacing.  Overall a welcome addition to the Red Racer products we Albertans have seen so far.  I'm heading to Vancouver in May for the Vancouver Craft Beer Week and look very much forward to making a pilgrimage to the Central City Brew Pub.  I plan to drink EVERYTHING they offer on tap in mass quantities. It's going to get messy!

I neglected to take a photo while drinking last night so rather I thought I would include a short Red Racer Beer School video. Enjoy!