Let’s talk about the Extra Special Bitter (ESB). It’s a style that doesn’t always get the hype of a triple-dry-hopped IPA or a pastry stout, but when it’s done right, it’s pure liquid comfort. While Holy Mountain Brewing is usually the land of “oak-aged everything,” I decided to take a detour into their more traditional side with the Bitter Peace ESB when we first arrived at the taproom last Sunday.
The Craft Beer that is Bitter Peace ESB from Holy Mountain Brewing
I’ll be honest: I went in with moderate expectations and walked away genuinely impressed. I ended up giving this a solid 3.5 caps on Untappd, and here’s why:
- The Look: It’s a gorgeous, clear amber. It looks like liquid autumn in a glass.
- The Bitter: True to its name, the bitterness is there, but it’s a “peaceful” one. It’s a clean, herbal snap that cuts through the malt and dries out the finish perfectly.
- The Experience: You get that beautiful biscuit and light caramel backbone, followed by a very polite, earthy bitterness. At 5% ABV, it’s the definition of a “session” beer; you could easily have two while enjoying Led Zeppelin III on the record player.
Why 3.5 Caps?
In the world of Untappd, 3.5 is a high compliment for a style like this. It’s not a “whale,” and it’s not a barrel-aged experiment; it’s just a damn good beer. It’s exactly what you want when you’re looking for a “peaceful” break from the high-ABV haze craze.
Bitter Peace ESB is a reminder that you don’t always need a flavor explosion to have a great drinking experience. Sometimes, you just need a little bit of harmony in a glass.
Wee Cheers: Holy Mountain Brewing might be famous for their saisons and wild ales, but don’t sleep on their traditional styles. Bitter Peace ESB is the kind of beer that makes you want to stay for “just one more.”
Clark believes that the best professional relationships are built on shared experiences and a bit of fun. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Clark has been a vocal advocate of the local craft beer scene for years. He enjoys exploring the unique flavors and community-driven atmosphere of Washington’s and Oregon’s many breweries while working through the complex software architecture opportunities presented by social interaction. After a hard day of work, Clark can often be found on the karaoke stage any day of the week belting out 80’s rock and heavy metal tunes while bringing the same passion and energy to his performances as he does to his startups; valuing confidence, engagement, and the power of a good song and a bourbon barrel aged beer to bring people together.
