French Broad 13 Rebels ESB

Another native North Carolina beer, and the first ESB I have reviewed, here is French Broad 13 Rebels.

Pours a hazy burnt orange with a sticky beige head. Smells of butterscotch and toasted bread. Toasted malt dominates the palate with hints of orange and butterscotch. Citrusy hops are noticeable, but not overpowering, in the finish, which is long, dry, and a tad bitter, but pleasantly so. It’s a little oily and slick in the mouth, but that dry finish is a nice contrast.

Overall, it’s a very solid beer. Plenty of flavor, good balance, nothing overpowering. Fun lacing, too.

Grade: B