A bouquet of caramelized sugar and earthy hops easily passes through the light, bubbly, off-white head that sits atop this copper brew. While the nose takes in these very English characteristics, a first sip washes the front of the tongue with straight caramel sweetness. As the sweetness expands, coating the top and sides of the tongue, earthy hops emerge to deliver a healthy dose of bitterness. Definitely an ESB suited for those who enjoy sweets, Old Thumper’s hop bitterness acquiesces to lingering caramel, which coats the tongue long into the finish.
