Opened with a good hiss, slight smokiness coming out the bottle. Pours with good carbonation, and leave fluffy pearl head, that is loose bubbles. The ale is a lovely mahogany colour, which has fantastic clarity.
On the nose caramel and toffee, which is prominent, then there is some floural and leafy notes.
On to the flavour, and there is this smooth and refreshing floral bitterness, that sits well again the toffee flavour coming from the malts. This is really well balanced! There is some mild spicy notes and some fruity esters.
This has a medium body, and the carbonation is spot on. The head does dissipate, but does leave great lacing on this glass. There is also a slightly oily feel on the palate and seems like you could session on this.
Well done the Matthew, wouldn't mind brewing this, it's a solid ESB!