Envy
Circle Brewing Company

RB Transfer

Appearance: Hazy medium amber body is crowned by an utterly fantastic cream-colored cloud-top head, with stunning retention. Lacing in the form of hieroglyphs from a lost civilization adorn the glass wall. Showers of minute bubbles drift lazily to the surface,

Aroma: Rather tart and tangy aroma of caramel and bread-like malt, verging on sourness. The tanginess is a substantial part of the aroma with moderate tannic notes. There is a modest , leafy herbal hop presence.

Taste: Tangy, dry notes dominate from start to finish. Tart toasted malt and caramel are dominant, with an omnipresent, slightly sour undertow. Despite this, there are solid toasted rustic brown bread notes and moderate caramel. Finishes tangy and dry, with a lingering, moderate leafy, herbal hop note.

Mouth feel: Rich and quite full, pleasantly soft, with just a hint of carbonation, but so very dry.

Drinkability: Not quite what I expect of an ESB, but as there is some disagreement to the name of the style and its character, that is fine. A very well-crafted ale, nonetheless.

Presentation: Packaged in a standard twelve-ounce aluminum can, served in a South American-style Pilsener glass. This may have been re-introduced fairly recently. I bought it at Spec's in Austin a couple of month ago, from the "clearance rack". The date stamp on the bottom of the can reads: "CANNED ON 03/12/2020". It has been refrigerated since purchased. 1808:08052021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12 ounce bottle at the bar of the W Hotel in Austin on a business trip from NY. Because of the name I was expecting an APA or Amber Lager. Was surprised by the taste and that it falls (supposedly) into the ESB category. Odd taste. Not at all bitter with lots of plum or raisin or both, to my palate at least. Not awful, but not a beer I will be ordering again.