Anvil ESB Ale

Poured clear into my glass. Foam was enormous, off-white, and frothy. It doesn't matter how vigorous you pour, a huge foam is part of this beer. Retention was as good as the large head. Retention was mediocre for the amount of foam. Aroma is toasted malt with a pleasant floral hops. Dark fruits are there but only as a side note. Taste is toasted malt backbone at first with a blend of flavors that are hard to distinguish at first sip. Do to a well balanced beer? There is some light fruit as well as some slight dark fruits. Maybe even a sense of wine and musty flavors. Ever so little hop and bitterness but almost not enough to mention. Very interesting, very complex, and very good. A tingle on the tongue but not much carbonation. Medium body. There is an after taste but I have a hard time putting my finger on it. Not a style that I have had many of and, admittingly, because of my lack of knowledge of the style, I have avoided. This is a well rounded beer that has some nice complexities. Too bad I cannot get this beer more readily. Enjoy!