Right at the start of spring there is a special time of year when the temperature is above zero during the day but below zero at night. These conditions combine in a beautiful way to help a certain tree produce a certain product that we all re-fall in love with at this time of year:
Maple Syrup.
Many brewers capitalize on this by releasing some kind of maple beer. I have passed on most of them but when I saw Nickel Brook had made one, I had to try it.
I’ve mentioned it before and I’ll mention it again: I have an absolute love affair with Nickle Brook Brewing Co. This beer continues that love affair for me. I mean… I’m impartial. I’m totally impartial…
Their Maple Porter is not a new beer, it’s a seasonal that seems to come out every year right around now. In past years it looks like they waxed the top. Personally I’m not a fan of the wax top so I’m glad they got away from that.
A 750 ML bottle is $8.95 at the LCBO and sits at 6.0% ABV.
Appearance: Black with about a finger of off-white head.
Aroma: Espresso and bourbon at first. The maple syrup and vanilla that come a bit later are much more subtle. You’ll be smelling the black espresso most.
Taste: Raisin, espresso and maple all intermingle at first. The espresso tastes a bit burnt and bitter. The bitterness turns into dark chocolate.
Aftertaste: The dark chocolate takes hold and never lets go.
Overall: This is a wonderful use of maple.
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