Beer Alert: New Parkville Pub Ale
To honor our second home in Parkville, we have tapped our new Parkville Pub Ale. This classic English Extra Special Bitter (ESB) features biscuit and toast-like malt character balanced with a noticeable hop bitterness. Don’t let the style name fool you, an ESB is more balanced than bitter!
ESB History
Let’s delve into the captivating story behind this beloved beer. To understand the Extra Special/Strong Bitter, let’s travel back to 19th-century England, where its roots are firmly planted. Bitters, characterized by their balanced bitterness and malt complexity, were already popular when ESBs emerged. ESB’s stronger, hoppier profile provided a more robust and flavorful experience for beer drinkers.
Rise and Fall
A hallmark of English brewing In the early 20th century, ESB’s popularity soared, with breweries across the nation producing unique interpretations. However, as the mid-century approached, the rise of pale lagers led to a decline in ESB’s prominence. The beer landscape was changing, and ESB found itself temporarily overshadowed.
Craft Beer Renaissance
The turning point for ESB came with the advent of the craft beer revolution in the late 20th century. As beer enthusiasts sought variety and depth of flavor, ESB experienced a remarkable resurgence. Craft breweries, both in England and abroad, began embracing this storied style, brewing their own takes on ESB and infusing it with fresh creativity.
Global Innovations
One of the beautiful aspects of the craft beer movement is its global impact. ESB traveled beyond English borders, finding new homes in breweries worldwide. Craft beer pioneers in the United States, Europe and beyond put their own spin on ESB, experimenting with local ingredients and brewing techniques. This cross-pollination of ideas infused ESB with a global flair while staying true to its classic roots.
Contemporary ESB
Today, ESB has become a symbol of both tradition and innovation. It’s a style that pays homage to the rich brewing heritage of England while embracing the boundless creativity of the craft beer movement. Contemporary ESBs showcase a beautiful balance between rich, toasty malts and assertive hop bitterness, often complemented by subtle fruity or caramel notes. The result is a beer that satisfies both traditional and the adventurous palates.
From its humble origins in English bitters to its modern-day global presence, ESB has weathered the tides of time, evolving and adapting without losing its essence. It’s a testament to the enduring power of beer and the passion of brewers worldwide. So, next time you savor an ESB, remember the rich history and craftsmanship behind each sip. Cheers to Rochester’s new Extra Special Bitter, a beer style that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate beer lovers around the globe.
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Rochester Brewing and Roasting is Kansas City’s first craft beer and coffee roastery under one roof. We’ve created welcoming spaces to gather – day and night. Come early for the coffee, stay late for the beer!