AleSmith Anvil ESB

Nothing special about this one. A good example of an ESB though. I’d get it again.

Pours clear amber with a hint of red with a small off-white head that dissipates quickly to a ring with little lacing. The smell has citrus hops up front with a bready malt background and some fruity sweetness in there as well. The taste really caught me off guard with an immediate tongue-tingling bitterness that actually has a noticeable lemon tartness to it. There is a strong spiciness toward the finish as well with only a hint of the bread behiind the massive bitter kick. The mouthfeel is crisp and clean with a strong carbonation that accentuates the tartness. The drinkability is limited a little by the bitterness, but this is a good bitter and a very unique offering from AleSmith.

Pours a nice ruby/burgundy color, with a white-ish head that recedes fairly quickly. Aroma is somewhat hoppy, not as much as I would expect for an ESB, but certainly malty enough. Flavor is suprising: not so much straight bitterness but bitter and tart, a very stimulating combination of resin and citrus. Malty, smooth body, and a refreshing though slightly sweet finish.

Bottle from Liquor Barn in Redding, CA. This was my first experience of the ESB, and I’m sure to be biased toward others as Alesmith always makes a quality brew. It had citrus scents to it, but the limited, bitter hops were balanced nicely with a huge malt backing. Great brew!

Overall my first impressions of the beer was that it was Ale Smith and I was in for a treat... I like porters and stouts so I tried it out . Good appearance and the flavor not bad. I like at times a bitter beer and this one wet my palate. Cheers