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Beer Reviews

Doc’s ESB

Big Buck Brewery & Steakhouse
Gaylord, MI
USA
http://www.bigbuck.com

Style: ESB
ABV: 6.0%

Rings’s Rating:
   (Recommended)


Comments:
I reviewed a bit of Big Buck’s background in my review of their Big Buck Beer some time ago.

Their beers are by and large “training wheel” brews—nothing too extreme, in an effort to attract “mainstream” beer drinkers and their food was an ode to the carnivore who liked his protein cooked thoroughly.

I stopped by their flagship location on a recent trip to Mackinac Island and was pleased to discover that original brewer and manager Scott Graham was back at the helm. A large figure in the Michigan beer scene, Graham has also served numerous roles as a brewer, distributor, and leader. Since 2007, he’s also served as Executive Director of the Michigan Brewers’ Guild.
They only had a half dozen brews on tap—down from their usual dozen or so—but each was much improved from recent experiences. Their beers do change often, however.

Doc’s ESB is their interpretation of the classic British beer style. It poured a light brown/deep red in color, with a touch more body than some of their other brews. It was balanced, possessing a mildly sweet body and nice little hoppy, crispy bite. The finish is herbal and dry, as it should be.

This was their best effort on this particular visit.


Reviewed by Rings on September 10, 2012.

Drinkin’ And Thinkin’

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