My son gave me a mixed 6-pack of interesting new (to me) beers for my birthday. That’s one of the consolations of getting older. Your kids can give you more interesting birthday presents!

I’ll be reviewing them here as I get a chance.

First out of the pack is 14′er E.S.B. by Avery Brewing Company in Boulder, Colorado.

It was a bit of a gusher, which reminded me of my early days of homebrewing. I popped the top and the ale was a little too eager to get out of the bottle. Perhaps the kids had knocked it around (unlikely) or perhaps it’s a tad over-carbonated.

The beer itself is a copper color, and just slightly cloudy. It has a very nice, pure white, lacy head that endures to the bottom of the glass. It almost reminds you of the snow on the label.

The malt flavor is subdued, but clearly present beneath the rather strong hop profile. It got me to wondering where you draw the line between an E.S.B. and an I.P.A.

I’m no style expert, and if I were I would not want to be a style Nazi. I’m far more concerned about drinkability than taste. But when the label says E.S.B., I expect just slightly more malt flavor and slightly less hops.

Nevertheless, it’s quite drinkable, especially if you prefer the hoppier end of the scale.