The beer that started it all, Redhook ESB has been continuously brewed since 1987. True to the British ESB style, the beer is not extra bitter, despite having the words in its name. Instead, ESB balances caramel malt sweetness and subtle spicy and citrusy hop flavors. ESB started as a winter seasonal recipe in the mid-’80s. In the early years, Extra Special Bitter earned a reputation as ‘banana beer’ and has been brewed continuously since 1987. ESB’s caramel malt sweetness and subtle spice and fruit hop flavors quickly defined the style and inspired a new wave of craft beers across the country.