Sierra Nevada ESB (Early Spring Beer)
Poured from a 12oz bottle into a pint glass. Appearance/Smell - Appeared a clouded amber/copper with a 2 finger head upon a somewhat gentle pour. Outstanding retention with broken, but pretty nice lacing. Smelled of big malts! Lots of soft caramel, molasses, almond nuttiness with biscuit notes, following is some pretty pronounced earthiness with mild spices. Sweet biscuit/grainy profile overall with subtle pine & citrus. Taste/Mouthfeel - Tasted of loads of burnt sugary like flavors, caramel, molasses, hints of dark chocolate and roasted almonds. Earthiness follows as well as subtle spices, and it finishes with a burnt biscuit like bitterness that lingers a bit, and soft honey/caramel sweetness. Mouthfeel was smooth and just slightly slick, full-medium bodied, it really complimented the smooth sweet flavor profile. Drinkability/Final thoughts - Not to big on this style of beer, this one had a decent amount of burnt like bitterness with sweet caramel notes, which I liked I guess. I would have appreciated more carbonation in the feel but otherwise a highly drinkable brew. I would like to enjoy a couple pints on a cooler day, this one really seemed fresh to me as well. Not bad overall, coming from a great brewery I wouldn't expect less. Cheers!