Redhook ESB - An Amateurish Beer Review

Just to make sure it's crystal clear, I don't speak "beer snob." I can't really offer a pseudo-scientific numerical rating for the features of this beer, so I'm just going to say what I think, and see if it works out.

The Basics
5.8% ABV (4.64% ABW)

Redhook has breweries in Washington and New Hampshire. If you aren't in the northeastern or northwestern US, you probably won't be able to get it easily.

The Beer
Amber color. Up front there's some bitterness, a nice malty flavor, and an accent of citrus tartness. There's a hoppy and bready aftertaste with a hint of sweetness. Carbonation isn't overbearing, and it has a much more substantial mouthfeel than mass-market lagers - not that it's saying much to point THAT out. It's a very smooth-drinking beer. The flavor is less overbearing than that of a stout or IPA, but not by any means lackluster.

My opinions
This is my go-to beer. It's a beverage to be sipped, not chugged. Too strong perhaps for a proper session beer, but great for winding down after work. It's probably not going to be THE BEST BEER YOU EVER HAD, but it shouldn't disappoint either. Along with Iron Horse Irish Death, this is one of the best beers to be found in my local grocery stores, and the price is comparable to Blue Moon or Guinness Draft.