Amber Lushus
Birdsview Brewing Company

Offhand, I can't think of any other breweries using maple syrup in their beers. Maybe it's an east coast thing. But this topaz ale from Birdsview would seem to have hit the mark. It begins like most Birdsview beers with a seductive mash tun aroma of cereal grains. Healthy carbonation sustains a light film of head on a plump, chewy body. The taste tips to the sweet with modest bittering as maple elements weave a dark thread of intrigue. The result is both captivating and successful.

All in all, a gentle, soothing beer. Almost affectionate.