A Premium Bitter/ESB (Extra Special Bitter)
Jämtlands Bryggeri 5.8% ABV. Systembolaget Number 11361. 23-50 SEK (500ml bottle)
Pours a clear chestnut brown with a thick vanilla white head.
Interesting. There's some citrus here, some Seville orange peel and grass from the hops and mild coffee and bitter chocolate tones from the malts. Herbal too.
Tastes like herby hops sprinkled on knäckerbröd. There's a soft fruity lusciousness to the mouthfeel - it's smoother than a Barry White love song this is. For clocking in at nearly 6% ABV it hides its alcohol colours very well, with just a hint of booze on the back end.
Premium bitters go well with pork, roasted poultry and red meats. Why not try it together with a classic Sunday roast?
Nerd note
This is a premium bitter in the English style and is probably the most 'decorated' Swedish beer of its kind, having won 7 gold medals at the Stockholm beer Festival in its class, as well as a silver and bronze for best overall Swedish beer. It's quality stuff and certainly reminds me of bitters I used to drink back in the UK. However is it as good as the trophy cabinet suggests? I don't really think so. Five years ago it was a standout brew but I think other breweries have caught up with Jämtlands and are producing even more characterful beers these days.
Rating
3.0 of 5
