I swung by the Gingerman after work the other day hoping to get a pint of the Real Ale Real Heavy, we just got it on tap at the bar; however, they hadn’t yet tapped their keg so Joe grabbed me a Phoenixx Double ESB by Real Ale instead. The Double ESB is Real Ale’s most recent seasonal, and it offers everything we’ve come to expect and love from Real Ale.
The beer is classified as an English Strong Ale, it weighs in at 6.6% ABV with 50 IBU. Oddly considering these stats, the Beer has a very light nose. It might because I have a slight cold that the beer keeps its entire flavor for your palate, but I got very little nose from my initial investigation. I believe that just as you eat with your eyes you also drink with your eyes. So the question becomes does this beer say, “Pick me up and drink me”? Well, this is an ideal looking beer. It has a white creamy head that has great lacing that hangs all the way down the glass. The body is fairly clear with an amber black color.
Real Ale claims that this “this ale is about hops. The blend of English hops, highlighted by its namesake, Phoenix, yields a complex hop character that dominates this special brew.” The beer definitely keeps its promise. The presence of hops creates a bitterness that definitely dominates the beer. The overall structure of the beer is prototypical of any well done ESB, but there is also a rich, yet balanced malty flavor apparent in the taste as well. This element comes from the English crystal malt which brings with it a light toffee and caramel undertone. This beer has a medium body with a very light and watery mouth feel. The finish lasts, but it shouldn’t keep you from drinking this with other beers if you find yourself out on a tasting spree, which is always a concern for me.
Overall, I would call this a very well balanced flavorful beer that you should definitely seek out if you have the opportunity. I guess the Real Heavy is going to have to wait for another day, that or I just have to sneak a taste at work and report back later.