There is a workaround by using AutoHotkey to disable the Esc button when Evernote is in use.
#IfWinActive, ahk_class ENSingleNoteView
Esc::return
This basically disables the Esc button when Evernote is being used. For those that still want the functionality of Esc, I have changed the key to shift+Esc below
#IfWinActive, ahk_class ENSingleNoteView
+Esc::send {Esc}
#IfWinActive
return
#IfWinActive, ahk_class ENSingleNoteView
Esc::
MsgBox,,,Button disabled use Shift+Esc, 1
WinActivate, ahk_class ENSingleNoteView
#IfWinActive
return