Pete's Brewing, as we all know, is no longer Pete's. Pete
Slosberg sold out his interest a while back, and many of the more
interesting brews he produced through his contract arrangements were
discontinued in favor of lighter bodied beers like the ESP (Extra Smooth
Pub) Lager.
I had heard about this beer awhile before it was introduced, that it would
be an attempt by Pete's to offer a more mainstream product. Before I even
tasted the beer, every indication seemed to point in that direction. It is
named "Extra Smooth", for one.The bottle resembles a megabrewery beer rather
than a microbrew one, and the label neck has Pete expounding his love for
"full-bodied brews", while at the same time declaring that he has to "mow
the lawn and clean out the rain gutters", which makes him thirsty. Pete
implies that this is a beer that more people can enjoy.
By this time I was prepared to taste a very light bodied beer, and when I
finally popped the cap and poured the brew into my glass, the light golden
colored, very fizzy appearance only furthered my suspicions. I took a
tentative sniff, and was greeted by a light malt character with a touch of
green-apple character. I sipped. Surprise! The beer is actually quite good,
with a touch of the aforementioned green apple acetaldehyde but with a
decent amount of malt and slight toastiness in the finish. Not much in the
way of hops, but overall a very drinkable brew with just enough malt flavor
to make it interesting. A good beer to introduce to your non craft brew
drinking friends, it just might be the first step in a new direction for
them. Pete's ESP Lager won't knock your socks off, but it will quench your
thirst or wash down good food (it goes great with a plate of nachos
smothered in cheese and spicy corn and bean salsa).
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For
reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft