Elysian The Wise ESB

Dark amber. Nose not to type ... with strong notes of PNW hops no one at Fullers would recognize this as an ESB. Taste is more dry, less malty, with far more PNW American hops than one would expect from an ESB.

At Humpy’s in Anchorage. Old world style. Pretty good. Weak head. Like an old world bitter. A bit watery, but expected from the style. I’ve had better American ESBs, notably Alaska ESB.

Sample at the Pike Street location. Pours a clear dark copper color with a compact and creamy off-white head that lasts awhile. Patches of lacing. Hops boquet in the nose, with a hint of line. Medium, smooth body with flavors of hops and malt with a piney undertone. The finish is hoppy and malty with a lingering pine and citrus aftertaste. Hoppier than a lot of ESBs, and pretty enjoyable overall.

This brew’s really subtle flavors are what make it great. Bottle... Poured ruby with some orange and thin white head. Aroma, has chocolate-malt and sweet yeast and grains. Very smooth and easy feeling in the mouth and the malt flavors hit up front while hops began to take over giving it some depth towards the finish. Either I’m starting to enjoy ESBs more, or I’m having a string of some pretty good ones, but this one hits the button for me.

Bottle, sample courtesy of walleye. Clear copper, no head, oily. Faint bitterness up front, w/o much else. Flavor much the same, light bitterness, w/o any malt backbone.

clear amber pour,with thin creamy white head.this is one of the most balanced,and drinkable beers out there.the one question i have is,why are’nt bitters more popular.there malty,there hoppy, good middle ground for everyone

[1108-20080217] Tap @ Elysian Fields (Seattle, WA). Mild malt grains aroma. Clear, brown amber body with a long-lasting creamy off-white head and a thick lace coating. Same grainy rye and crusty bread yeast continues in flavour with a long finish. Medium-full body is a little boozy. Interesting.

On tap, was just what I was looking for. Pretty mild in most areas, though it has a great light body and full head. The flavor showcases bitter hops without being too bitter. Not my favorite style, but definitely would order again.