Phoenixx Double ESB Hits the Spot

After a long and exhausting day on the range, I was looking for a beer with which to relax, and sooth a few aching muscles. I was in the mood for malty, and robust, so I opened the door to the beer fridge and started looking. I spied a bottle of Real Ale Phoenix Double ESB. This was one of the beers I received from blogger 45er last Spring. Frankly, it had gotten lost amongst the other bottles and forgotten. Hmm, that sounds like just the ticket. What could be better to celebrate a great day at the range than a beer from a fellow shooting and beer enthusiast?

This ale from Real Ale Brewing Company pours a brownish copper color, with a thin but persistent beige head. The aroma is strong. I picked up the sweet malt and toffee notes immediately as I was "staging" the beer for a photo. I was really looking forward to tasting it at that point.The flavor is a sweet blend of toffee and caramel. There's a roasted, almost burnt, aspect that is especially appealing. The brewer also made sure the hops were rich as well. There is also a respectable level of bitter grapefruit rind citrus present. The finish is bitter and dry.

I really liked this beer. It reminds me of one of my perennial favorites, Winter Storm "Category 5" Ale from Heavy Seas Brewing, but with more citrus notes. I checked the Real Ale web site for more information and learned that Phoenixx is a Winter seasonal. I am going to have to remember to beg more of this from 45er next Winter. Maybe we can even make a trade of our local Double ESBs.