First brewed in 1971, ESB is unrivalled in terms of its flavour & balance. A powerful 5.5% a.b.v. in cask (5.9% abv in bottles & kegs), it is brewed from Pale Ale & Crystal malts, & from Target, Challenger, Northdown & Goldings hops. The recipe is a closely guarded secret. Andrew Jefford, the respected UK drinks critic, sums up ESB's flavour thus: ''an ample, grainy-nutty aroma & a broad, authoritative flavour, with lashings of dry marmalade-like bitters'', whilst ' Beer Supremo' Roger Protz describes ''an enormous attack of rich malt, tangy fruit & spicy hops in the mouth, with a profound Goldings peppery note in the long finish & hints of orange, lemon & gooseberry fruit''.