United Nations of Beer

Propeller ESB

by Stacey Langille
(Beer Delegate, NS, Canada)

Propeller ESB
Propeller Brewing, NS, Canada

A rich, full-bodied English-style extra special bitter made from a blend of two-row malts, including pale malt, crystal malt and chocolate malt. A last small addition of malted wheat helps deliver its pleasing head.

Hopping is done to 30 IBUs using a combination of North American Williamette and Fuggle varieties with English Goldings. Water is softened for this brew in the manner of southern English bitters, making it very smooth and refreshing. No additives. No pasteurization.

I tried my first glass of Propeller ESB on tap from a local pub and was very pleasantly surprised. Despite the modern tap system it was fresh, tasty and refreshing. I had no real knowledge of the Propeller brewing company and asked the waitress for something local.

I was not in the least disappointed and have made the trip since three times just to have a glass of this extra special Nova Scotia beer. I have yet to try it in a bottle, but many pubs and stores now carry this brand of brew, both on tap and in the bottle, so I plan on making it a part of my regular standards. Man can not live on Alexander Keith's alone! (Even though I have tried!)

Bitter was originally a draught ale served very fresh under no pressure at cellar temperatures. This beer was the GOLD MEDAL WINNER in the 2006 World Beer Championships. I am assuming those people know what they are talking about, so in case you can't take my word for it then their sophisticated palates should add to its credibility as a very good bitter. Propeller calls it one of life's small pleasures, but I would want to make it one of life's regular pleasures.

All this means nothing to some people: great taste, refreshing, no preservatives, etc. Those people want a cool factor. Bikini commercials, action shots and the chance to golf with hotties are the requirements to most.

Well so far Propeller ESB has none of these things, but its cool factor is way up there regardless. How do I know besides the fact that I enjoy it? Well, watch the Trailer Park Boys movie and any scene that has beer in it: it's Propeller brand! There are even some Propeller posters in the "club" they go to, also everywhere at J-Rocks party, so if that's not cool I don't know what else is!

So why postpone joy? Go out and grab a Propeller Extra Special Bitter and maybe some chips and chicken nuggets while you are at it! Cheers.