In a hoppy-heavy region like the Pacific Northwest (hey, flaunt ’em if you got ’em), it can be a task to find styles that please the masses outside of the herbal, citrus-spiked and piney tones delivered by our sweet, sweet local hops. The team at North Sound Brewing in Mt. Vernon, Wash., however, have gone the distant, taking on the challenge of creating an ESB ale that stands up to their hoppier brews offered on the same tap system in their neighborhood taproom (which boasts wifi, 20 ounce imperial pints and hours open daily). The Bitter Rain ESB is still given a healthy dose of Centennial and Goldings hops, but the flavor and body of this malty ale comes from the use of seven different types of grains. The nose is warm with caramel, toast, earth and pepper, with nutty notes rounding out the pint. The mouthfeel is bright and bitter, singing sessionability with a stroke of hops in the finish.
Track on Twitter: @northsoundbrew
