Beer of the Weekend #874: Ash Tree ESB
The beer of the weekend is Ash Tree ESB, brewed by the Confluence Brewing Company of Des Moines, Iowa.
The appearance is clear and clean without much carbonation, and the color is leaning toward medium amber. A finger and a half of cream-colored, buttery, tight head settles slowly, leaving an even skim, a frothy collar, and a trail of lacing.
The aroma is malty and very sweet and fruity. There are scents of candy caramel, cherry licorice, light cocoa, and fruit spread. It kind of smells like jelly. Light, earthy spice is in the background.
The flavor is much more balanced and leaves a pleasing bitterness lingering on the taste buds. It is definitely not as sweet as the aroma. The flavor is earthy with light spice, and the malt and sweet elements are less prominent but hang around in the background. There are flavors of caramel, cherry licorice, light cocoa, and fruit spread. The earthy hops sit on the back of the tongue. It is metallic, too.
Fun facts about Ash Tree ESB:
• Style: ESB.
• Price: $9.99 for a four-pack of 16-ounce bottles at John’s Grocery in Iowa City.
• Alcohol content: 5.6 percent ABV.
• IBU: 40.
The Quiet Man’s grade: B.
The appearance is clear and clean without much carbonation, and the color is leaning toward medium amber. A finger and a half of cream-colored, buttery, tight head settles slowly, leaving an even skim, a frothy collar, and a trail of lacing.
The aroma is malty and very sweet and fruity. There are scents of candy caramel, cherry licorice, light cocoa, and fruit spread. It kind of smells like jelly. Light, earthy spice is in the background.
The flavor is much more balanced and leaves a pleasing bitterness lingering on the taste buds. It is definitely not as sweet as the aroma. The flavor is earthy with light spice, and the malt and sweet elements are less prominent but hang around in the background. There are flavors of caramel, cherry licorice, light cocoa, and fruit spread. The earthy hops sit on the back of the tongue. It is metallic, too.
Fun facts about Ash Tree ESB:
• Style: ESB.
• Price: $9.99 for a four-pack of 16-ounce bottles at John’s Grocery in Iowa City.
• Alcohol content: 5.6 percent ABV.
• IBU: 40.
The Quiet Man’s grade: B.
