Maker: Arcadia, Battle Creek, Michigan, USA
Style: Bitter Ale
ABV: 6%
Appearance: Burnt sienna with a frothy head.
Nose: Malt, yeast, hint of hops and figs.
Palate: Medium bodied and fairly sweet on entry. The bitterness grows and grows like a until it overruns the mouth.
Finish: Big hoppy bitterness. Dried flowers, grapefruit, dark toast.
Parting words: Thunder Trail is a reworking of Arcadia’s old ESB and it’s just as good, if not better (assuming it’s not just the same thing with a different name). Historically, Arcadia’s specialty is British style ales and this beer is an excellent example. It’s a classic ESB. Dark and rich with a lot of bitterness on the back end. Very food friendly and might lend itself to session drinking, even though that’s not something I really do with beer and the ABV is on the high side.
Anyway, I love this beer like I do most everything Arcadia does. Recommended.
Sipology 