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Holgate ESB

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Since start-up in 1999 in Paul and Natasha Holgate’s back-yard, Holgate Brewhouse brewing company has been producing genuine craft beer from the village of Woodend in Victoria. Brewed, bottled and kegged right here, our beers come straight to you from our family-owned brewery, which we’re stoked to have installed in the awesome 19th century red-brick Hotel in Woodend.

We make our beers entirely ourselves, bold and brimming with character – carefully constructed with authentic, natural ingredients. We reckon there’s more than enough industrially-brewed beerish-flavoured bunk in the world. If that makes us beer snobs, it’s a badge we wear with pride. No preservatives. No chemicals. No pasteurisation. Just years of brewing lore and an uncompromising approach.

Style: ESB       ABV: 5.0%

Tasting notes from the brewer: One of the two recipes that launched the Brewhouse in 1999, it includes English crystal and roast malts, an abundance of East Kent Goldings hops and is enhanced through dry
hopping with a touch of Aussie Galaxy. Oh so moreish!

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Jacob Harris
3.5
Jacob Harris

"Malt assault."

This copper coloured brew is reminiscent of old style English ales but with a modern Aussie twist (namely Galaxy hops). It’s full of complex malty flavours that would warm the cockles of many a happy sailor. For me, I’d enjoy one of two of these but it’s not something I’d have a session on.

Would I buy it again?
Sure, why not.

Joe Young
3.5
Joe Young

"ESB? Yeah you know me."

As a long-time member of the ‘I don’t like bitter beers club’ I wasn’t pushing anyone over to get my hands on this ‘Extra Special Bitter’. After having a taste I thought ‘hmm, not that bitter at all’ and after doing a little research I found out that ESB’s generally aren’t actually very bitter. The more you know. This unique brew actually had a subtle tobacco flavour coming through.

All in all, not a bad beer.

Would I buy it again?
I would have a pint of one, but I couldn’t see myself tucking into a six pack.

Justin Felix
2.5
Justin Felix

“What am I drinking?”

I had no idea what to expect when cracking into this ESB by Holgate and after having a swig, I was more confused to than I was to begin with. We recently tried a Balmain Bock which I adored. It was dark, bold and intense. This brew smelled similar and even shared a similar taste... but watered down. I can’t quite put my finger on whether I still like it or not. I definitely don’t love it though.

Would I buy it again?
No. I’d much prefer a darker beer which hits the mark in terms of flavour.

Paul Skelton
3
Paul Skelton

“Take one chocolate porter and add water. Lots of water.”
3/5
When you receive a beer called ‘Extra Special Bitter’, you can reasonably expect one of two things – either a very, very bitter beer or the tears of Nikki Webster’s theatrical agent. Strangely, the Holgate ESB is neither.

I’m not entirely sure what to say about the ESB. It tastes like a very watered down chocolate porter. It’s not offensive, but it’s nothing special either. There is a nutty taste to it, but that’s not very strong either. In fact, there were no dominant flavours in this brew.

It’s really left me at a loss. It’s not a bad beer, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to recommend it – I wouldn’t know what to say.

Would I buy it again? Meh.

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