Foamers’ Folly – Lavender Earl Grey ESB
Overview
- Brewery: Foamers' Folly Brewing Co.
- Beer Style: Extra Special Bitter
- ABV: 5.8%
- IBU: 30
- Format Reviewed: Bottle 650 ml (Bomber)
- Brewery Web Page: More info
Foamers’ Folly – Lavender Earl Grey ESB Review
Lavender Earl Grey ESB is an interesting brew. Some may find it strange to try combining an Extra Special Bitter recipe with tea and flowers (herbal lavender). But the brew took a Bronze medal at the 2018 Canadian Brewing Awards.
This beer is rich and reminiscent of dark dried fruit cakes and puddings. One probably wouldn’t expect this from the name of the beer, although the label does provide tasting notes that mention the bicuity, caramel malt.
The aroma is bready but sweet like brown sugar, with raisins or currants, cinnamon, pudding and flowers. Flavours include tea, raisin, cinnamon bun and Christmas pudding.
On the palate, there is juicy malt with a mild astringency and a mildly spicy bite. It’s somewhat silky. At the same time, It’s drying from the tea. That’s a pretty unusual combination of descriptions, but Lavender Earl Grey ESB is a pretty unusual beer.
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Appearance(3)
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Aroma(4.25)
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Palate(3)
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Flavour(3)
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Overall Enjoyment(3.25)
About This Beverage
- Colour: Copper/Amber
- Head Size & Retention: Some head, minimal retention
- Carbonation: Mild Carbonation
- Clarity: Clear
- Balance: Very Malty
- Drinkability: Definitely Drinkable
- Enjoyment: I thought it was fine
- Malt Characteristics: Biscuity/Bready, Juicy Malt, Caramel, Rich/Sweet, Dark Fruit (raisins, prunes, figs, black currants)
- Hop Characteristics: Floral, Grass, Leaves or Hay
- Other Flavours/Aroma: Tea
- Palate: Mild astringency, Drying, Somewhat silky, A mildly spicy bite
Summary
Lavender Earl Grey ESB is an interesting brew. Some may find it strange to try combining an Extra Special Bitter recipe with tea and flowers (herbal lavender). But the brew took a Bronze medal at the 2018 Canadian Brewing Awards.
Pros
- Rich and reminiscent of dark dried fruit cakes and puddings.
- Winner of a Bronze medal at the 2018 Canadian Brewing Awards.
Cons
The combination on the label may surprise some with unexpected results.
