hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

Two Track ESB

Tap to rate

A traditional English ESB with a biscuity malt backbone, a strawberry-like fruitiness in the nose and herbal hops. The bitterness stays slight, in the way of the style. It comes from Free State in Lawrence, Kansas, the brewery that opened in 1989 as the first legal brewery in the state in over 100 years, and it is a bitter in the English tradition.

ABV
5.2%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter33 IBU
Malt-forward bitterness
SRM
golden8
PaceA Few
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
What makes this beer itself
MaltHop
maltyfruityherbal
malty
fruity
herbal
bready
hoppy
caramel
Aroma
The nose opens with a distinct strawberry-like fruitiness that sits atop a warm, biscuity Malz foundation.
not found:juicy,roasted,clean,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Two Track ESB

◎ Appearance

A clear, amber-gold body with a bright, light copper hue characteristic of the style. The head is dense and persistent, leaving fine lacing that clings to the glass with each sip. Carbonation is moderate and evenly dispersed, creating a soft, inviting visual presence.

amber-goldclearpersistent headfine lacing

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with a distinct strawberry-like fruitiness that sits atop a warm, biscuity Malz foundation. Herbal hop character emerges in the background, lending an earthy restraint without dominating. Subtle notes of bread crust and a whisper of caramel round out the bouquet.

strawberry estersbiscuity Malzherbal hopsbread crust

◐ Taste

The palate leads with a malty sweetness and bready character that anchors the beer's structure. Mid-palate reveals a gentle fruity note and grassy hop presence that balances the Malz without aggression. Bitterness is restrained and clean, finishing with caramel undertones that linger softly.

malty backbonefruity balancerestrained bitternesscaramel notes

◑ Finish

A smooth, dry finish with lingering malty warmth and a light herbal aftertaste. The bitterness fades gracefully, leaving a pleasant, food-friendly impression.

smooth fademalty warmthdry
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
84
Taste
80
Appearance
85
Finish
80
Serve at 7–10°C

Serve at 7–10°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Pint glass

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

+ Sign in to add your tasting note

Food Pairing

What to eat with Two Track ESB

More from Free State Brewing Company

Ad Astra Amber Ale
Ad Astra Amber Ale
Amber Ale
5.6%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Alley-Oop Dunkel
Alley-Oop Dunkel
Dunkel
5.6%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →
Brinkley's HellesBock
Cloud Hopper Imperial IPA
Cloud Hopper Imperial IPA
Imperial IPA
9.2%·Very bitter
Find matches →
Copperhead Pale Ale
Copperhead Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
6.0%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Daydream IPA
Daydream IPA
Hazy IPA
4.0%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Free State Lager
Frost Flower Winter Pils
Frost Flower Winter Pils
German Pilsner
7.2%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →

About Extra Special Bitter

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Extra Special Bitter?

Extra Special Bitter is a distinctive beer style with its own characteristic flavour, aroma and colour. Discover what makes it unique and find similar beers on hopIQ.

Finding a similar Extra Special Bitter

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same malty, fruity, herbal character as Two Track ESB will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →