Mean Old Tom | Maine Beer Company
Brewed by:
Maine Beer Company
Maine, United States | website
Style: American Stout
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 6.50%
Availability: Rotating
Notes / Commercial Description:
Our American-style stout aged on organic vanilla beans. Intense notes of coffee and dark chocolate lead way to subtle notes of natural vanilla. Flaked oats generate a silky mouthfeel.
Added by dciBA on 03-03-2010
View: Beers | Place Reviews | Events
Reviews: 444 | Ratings: 2,313
4.03/5 rDev +1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
16.9 oz bottle dated 5/31/16. Hopefully still in prime condition, knowing even less hoppy Maine Beer Co offerings don't age. Poured into Carton Dubviant glass.
L: Big head, but no retention or lacing, little bit of a tan ring/cap. Beer is a very dark brown.
S: Caramel malts, roasted coffee, and chocolate. Not dominating, but nice. Less vanilla than you might expect.
T: Roasted coffee biggest, unsweetened dark chocolate, a bit of vanilla, caramel and wheat malts.
F: Medium bodied, light carbonation, good construction, a bit bitter on finish.
O: Might amend if I find a super-fresh bottle sometime, but I think this is about how it's supposed to taste and it's quite decent.
★ 683 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
16.9 oz bottle dated 5/31/16. Hopefully still in prime condition, knowing even less hoppy Maine Beer Co offerings don't age. Poured into Carton Dubviant glass.
L: Big head, but no retention or lacing, little bit of a tan ring/cap. Beer is a very dark brown.
S: Caramel malts, roasted coffee, and chocolate. Not dominating, but nice. Less vanilla than you might expect.
T: Roasted coffee biggest, unsweetened dark chocolate, a bit of vanilla, caramel and wheat malts.
F: Medium bodied, light carbonation, good construction, a bit bitter on finish.
O: Might amend if I find a super-fresh bottle sometime, but I think this is about how it's supposed to taste and it's quite decent.
★ 683 characters
4.12/5 rDev +4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
2016-07-09
16.9oz bottle served in a big snifter. 041216 75 is the code printed on the label.
Pours dark, opaque, with a medium light brown head and lots of carbonation. Smell is roasty with a dark fruity sweetness, definitely some vanilla aroma.
Taste is a nice, mild, sweet and roasty stout. Pretty textbook, but well done, and the vanilla is a very nice kicker.
Mouthfeel is rich and smooth, overall, nice beer.
★ 418 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
2016-07-09
16.9oz bottle served in a big snifter. 041216 75 is the code printed on the label.
Pours dark, opaque, with a medium light brown head and lots of carbonation. Smell is roasty with a dark fruity sweetness, definitely some vanilla aroma.
Taste is a nice, mild, sweet and roasty stout. Pretty textbook, but well done, and the vanilla is a very nice kicker.
Mouthfeel is rich and smooth, overall, nice beer.
★ 418 characters
3.71/5 rDev -6.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Cola black with two fat fingers of creamy-looking tan-colored head. Nutty aroma, with chocolate and a little chicory coffee behind. The taste is initially of a straight-forward stout, again with nutty malt flavors the most prominent. There's just a hint of the vanilla bean coming through on the backend, which does leave behind a little sweetness. Pretty nicely done in that regard. Medium bodied with modest carbonation in the mouthfeel. Not bad, but nothing all that special either.
★ 491 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Cola black with two fat fingers of creamy-looking tan-colored head. Nutty aroma, with chocolate and a little chicory coffee behind. The taste is initially of a straight-forward stout, again with nutty malt flavors the most prominent. There's just a hint of the vanilla bean coming through on the backend, which does leave behind a little sweetness. Pretty nicely done in that regard. Medium bodied with modest carbonation in the mouthfeel. Not bad, but nothing all that special either.
★ 491 characters
4.14/5 rDev +4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
This stout pours a pitch black color with a medium foamy tan head. The smell is fairly mild, but is of roasted grains and chocolate. The flavor is of roasted grains, chocolate, vanilla, and a little bit of coffee. The flavor is milder than the King Titus, but is more diverse with all of the flavors playing a more equal role. The finish is very creamy and a little bit Guinness-like, but not as dry. The body is heavy as it should be. This beer is a nice contrast to the King Titus. It is polished where the King Titus is a brute force of flavor. I would personally prefer the latter in most cases, but in this case I think it’s a fairly even trade-off. This is definitely a nice stout and I think it’s a little bit underrated.
★ 732 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
This stout pours a pitch black color with a medium foamy tan head. The smell is fairly mild, but is of roasted grains and chocolate. The flavor is of roasted grains, chocolate, vanilla, and a little bit of coffee. The flavor is milder than the King Titus, but is more diverse with all of the flavors playing a more equal role. The finish is very creamy and a little bit Guinness-like, but not as dry. The body is heavy as it should be. This beer is a nice contrast to the King Titus. It is polished where the King Titus is a brute force of flavor. I would personally prefer the latter in most cases, but in this case I think it’s a fairly even trade-off. This is definitely a nice stout and I think it’s a little bit underrated.
★ 732 characters
3.76/5 rDev -5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
A bit underwhelming.
Just a nice solid stout. A little thin on the feel, but well balanced and clean. Really nice vanilla aroma and surprising coffee taste in the finish.
★ 171 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
A bit underwhelming.
Just a nice solid stout. A little thin on the feel, but well balanced and clean. Really nice vanilla aroma and surprising coffee taste in the finish.
★ 171 characters
4.09/5 rDev +3.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pours black with 2-3 fingers of creamy light mocha head with good retention and spots of lacing. Nice sweet nose with lots of roasted grain, vanilla and chocolate. The taste is also full of roasted grain, vanilla, marshmallows and chocolate with some light bitterness and char on the finish. Medium plus body with soft carbonation resulting in a smooth, round mouthfeel very nice considering its 6.5 ABV.
★ 406 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pours black with 2-3 fingers of creamy light mocha head with good retention and spots of lacing. Nice sweet nose with lots of roasted grain, vanilla and chocolate. The taste is also full of roasted grain, vanilla, marshmallows and chocolate with some light bitterness and char on the finish. Medium plus body with soft carbonation resulting in a smooth, round mouthfeel very nice considering its 6.5 ABV.
★ 406 characters
4.06/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Near black with a beige head that quickly diminishes. Good lacing. Light smoked malt nose. More malt on the palate and drier than expected. Coffee, burnt malt, some vanilla. Over medium body and moderate carbonation.
★ 216 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Near black with a beige head that quickly diminishes. Good lacing. Light smoked malt nose. More malt on the palate and drier than expected. Coffee, burnt malt, some vanilla. Over medium body and moderate carbonation.
★ 216 characters
4.02/5 rDev +1.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Enjoyed (and lucky to have) from a growler in a snifter via Country Fresh Market in Beechmont. This Fine stout pours a deep black with brown highlights and a nice tan head of foam that settles to a thick ring, very nice pooling layer, and excellent sudsy lacing. Nose of balanced dark chocolate, subtle coffee, subtle caramel, and subtle char. Flavors follow the nose with charred dark chocolate, subtle raisin and coffee on the middle, and sweet cream and caramel on the back featuring prominent roasted malts. Nice mouth feel, medium carbonation, and a coating creamy aftertaste. A perfect stout. Excellent!
Cheers
★ 622 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Enjoyed (and lucky to have) from a growler in a snifter via Country Fresh Market in Beechmont. This Fine stout pours a deep black with brown highlights and a nice tan head of foam that settles to a thick ring, very nice pooling layer, and excellent sudsy lacing. Nose of balanced dark chocolate, subtle coffee, subtle caramel, and subtle char. Flavors follow the nose with charred dark chocolate, subtle raisin and coffee on the middle, and sweet cream and caramel on the back featuring prominent roasted malts. Nice mouth feel, medium carbonation, and a coating creamy aftertaste. A perfect stout. Excellent!
Cheers
★ 622 characters
4.15/5 rDev +4.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Super dark with a rich creamy head. Smell is roasted malt, char, chocolate, and vanilla. The taste is sweet and tangy with char, chocolate and vanilla. Thick silky mouthfeel. Great beer.
★ 186 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Super dark with a rich creamy head. Smell is roasted malt, char, chocolate, and vanilla. The taste is sweet and tangy with char, chocolate and vanilla. Thick silky mouthfeel. Great beer.
★ 186 characters
3.99/5 rDev +0.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
A very nice mild Stout,well balanced flavors nothing overpowering. Was a little high on carbonation when first poured for my liking in stouts, but settled out nicely over 20 min. Would love to see this in a cask or on Nitro.
★ 224 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
A very nice mild Stout,well balanced flavors nothing overpowering. Was a little high on carbonation when first poured for my liking in stouts, but settled out nicely over 20 min. Would love to see this in a cask or on Nitro.
★ 224 characters
3.58/5 rDev -9.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Gentle and mild, this semi-dry stout has just enough vanilla that you notice it if you're looking for it, but it doesn't get carried away. So extra points for balance and restraint of flavor, but it's just a solid "good" beer to begin with, so whatever. Worth a shot if you like vanilla stouts, not up to the legendarily mouthwatering reputation of the brewery overall.
★ 371 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Gentle and mild, this semi-dry stout has just enough vanilla that you notice it if you're looking for it, but it doesn't get carried away. So extra points for balance and restraint of flavor, but it's just a solid "good" beer to begin with, so whatever. Worth a shot if you like vanilla stouts, not up to the legendarily mouthwatering reputation of the brewery overall.
★ 371 characters
4.18/5 rDev +5.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Great American Stout. Maine Beer Company is so solid through each beer. Quality company. look is a black/tan tint. the smell of roasted coffee and cocoa. taste is of roasted coffee, bitter chocolate, and oats. It is a very light and drinkable compared to an English/ irish stout. Overall it is a very delicious and very drinkable American stout. cheers
★ 352 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Great American Stout. Maine Beer Company is so solid through each beer. Quality company. look is a black/tan tint. the smell of roasted coffee and cocoa. taste is of roasted coffee, bitter chocolate, and oats. It is a very light and drinkable compared to an English/ irish stout. Overall it is a very delicious and very drinkable American stout. cheers
★ 352 characters
4.08/5 rDev +3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Found this one in my beer fridge forgot I had dated 9/15/15 Poured jet black smelled chocolate and coffee. Thin head no lacing. Flavors came out more as it warmed to room temp. Very drinkable not to heavy. Nice vanilla finish, drank a little like a black ale or porter, in my opinion. Star Gazer Stout from Cape Cod beer came to mind as I drank it.
★ 349 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Found this one in my beer fridge forgot I had dated 9/15/15 Poured jet black smelled chocolate and coffee. Thin head no lacing. Flavors came out more as it warmed to room temp. Very drinkable not to heavy. Nice vanilla finish, drank a little like a black ale or porter, in my opinion. Star Gazer Stout from Cape Cod beer came to mind as I drank it.
★ 349 characters
4.62/5 rDev +16.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Delicious beer, tasted notes of coffee/dark chocolate/vanilla and maybe oats to smooth it all out? Drinkable no matter what you are eating. There is a bitterness like a Black IPA but it might be a Porter or a Stout, I'm not sure.
★ 231 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Delicious beer, tasted notes of coffee/dark chocolate/vanilla and maybe oats to smooth it all out? Drinkable no matter what you are eating. There is a bitterness like a Black IPA but it might be a Porter or a Stout, I'm not sure.
★ 231 characters
3.64/5 rDev -8.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
Pours almost black with a two finger mocha color head. Nose is roasted malt, some coffee. Not a whole lot else. Taste is pretty much the same with the roasted flavor being dominant. I don't get any vanilla despite this being aged over vanilla beans. Feel is nice, silky. Overall, this is a decent stout. This is my first offering from Maine Beer. It may be a bit unfair, but I was a little disappointed since I was expecting a whole lot more based on the raves their other beers have gotten.
★ 491 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
Pours almost black with a two finger mocha color head. Nose is roasted malt, some coffee. Not a whole lot else. Taste is pretty much the same with the roasted flavor being dominant. I don't get any vanilla despite this being aged over vanilla beans. Feel is nice, silky. Overall, this is a decent stout. This is my first offering from Maine Beer. It may be a bit unfair, but I was a little disappointed since I was expecting a whole lot more based on the raves their other beers have gotten.
★ 491 characters
3.85/5 rDev -2.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.75
Poured from a tap into a nonic pint glass at World of Beer - Easton, in Columbus Ohio.
Barely a finger head, with little lacing along the way down. Nose was unimpressive with chocolate and charred oak dominating.
Taste was as expected in a Maine stout, with a nice creamy feel.
Hop-heads probably will not be impressed, but it's a very good, enjoyably calm stout.
And yes, as other reviewers have pointed out, the price is hefty, paying $13 for a pint in Ohio.
★ 463 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.75
Poured from a tap into a nonic pint glass at World of Beer - Easton, in Columbus Ohio.
Barely a finger head, with little lacing along the way down. Nose was unimpressive with chocolate and charred oak dominating.
Taste was as expected in a Maine stout, with a nice creamy feel.
Hop-heads probably will not be impressed, but it's a very good, enjoyably calm stout.
And yes, as other reviewers have pointed out, the price is hefty, paying $13 for a pint in Ohio.
★ 463 characters
4.19/5 rDev +5.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
A: [5.00] The beer looks great in the glass. The beer itself is jet black. It pours our with a big dollop of mocha head. The head is 3 fingers and recesses slowly.. There are equal parts head and beer after a pour down the middle. The beer lists the ABV (6.5%) and it lists the born on date (12/15/15).
S: [4.00] Lots of smokey malts. Charred wood. Milk chocolate (an inexpensive chocolate).
T: [4.25] Marshmallow, vanilla, cocoa, charred wood. Is sweet late in the palate to compliment the charred malts.
M: [4.25] Really creamy mouthfeel. Carbonation is low and allows the beer to coat the tongue. The charred wood gives a bit of a bitterness to the finish.
O: [4.00] I bought this based on my other successes from Maine Beer Co. This is another good beer. I don't think this one stands out like the others I have had. This is quite nice but I am not sure that it commands 2-3 times the prices (per oz.) of other dark beers that I prefer. There is nothing to gripe about on this beer - it smells, tastes and "feels" good but is not a huge stand out. I think "Zoe" set the bar too high. :)
★ 1,110 characters
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
A: [5.00] The beer looks great in the glass. The beer itself is jet black. It pours our with a big dollop of mocha head. The head is 3 fingers and recesses slowly.. There are equal parts head and beer after a pour down the middle. The beer lists the ABV (6.5%) and it lists the born on date (12/15/15).
S: [4.00] Lots of smokey malts. Charred wood. Milk chocolate (an inexpensive chocolate).
T: [4.25] Marshmallow, vanilla, cocoa, charred wood. Is sweet late in the palate to compliment the charred malts.
M: [4.25] Really creamy mouthfeel. Carbonation is low and allows the beer to coat the tongue. The charred wood gives a bit of a bitterness to the finish.
O: [4.00] I bought this based on my other successes from Maine Beer Co. This is another good beer. I don't think this one stands out like the others I have had. This is quite nice but I am not sure that it commands 2-3 times the prices (per oz.) of other dark beers that I prefer. There is nothing to gripe about on this beer - it smells, tastes and "feels" good but is not a huge stand out. I think "Zoe" set the bar too high. :)
★ 1,110 characters
2.51/5 rDev -36.6%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5
Fifth in a dinner pairing of five Maine brews, Mean Old Tom pours a thin clean brown with little head.
On the nose, faint hints of brownie, with dry, bitter, roasty malts and maybe a little strawberry. And of course the vanilla is apparent but not prominent.
This is surprisingly light and fizzy on the palate, with light coffee coming on.
I'm not sure what makes this a stout more than a porter, but after the fine showing it had in Paste magazine, my expectations were high, and definitively let down.
I found Mean Old Tom weak, with a watered down feel.
Perhaps I am spoiled living so near to Hoppin' Frog, which delivers enormous, thick, velvetty smooth, super roasty, dark and flavorful stouts, but it seems obvious to me the reviewers contributing to Paste clearly have palates more developed for IPAs and less towards stouts. This is definitely no where near the best stout in the country, it would not even be close to the top ten in the state of Ohio. But, obviously being based out of Maine, that can be forgiven, since we all know what style these East coast breweries specialize in.
★ 1,099 characters
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5
Fifth in a dinner pairing of five Maine brews, Mean Old Tom pours a thin clean brown with little head.
On the nose, faint hints of brownie, with dry, bitter, roasty malts and maybe a little strawberry. And of course the vanilla is apparent but not prominent.
This is surprisingly light and fizzy on the palate, with light coffee coming on.
I'm not sure what makes this a stout more than a porter, but after the fine showing it had in Paste magazine, my expectations were high, and definitively let down.
I found Mean Old Tom weak, with a watered down feel.
Perhaps I am spoiled living so near to Hoppin' Frog, which delivers enormous, thick, velvetty smooth, super roasty, dark and flavorful stouts, but it seems obvious to me the reviewers contributing to Paste clearly have palates more developed for IPAs and less towards stouts. This is definitely no where near the best stout in the country, it would not even be close to the top ten in the state of Ohio. But, obviously being based out of Maine, that can be forgiven, since we all know what style these East coast breweries specialize in.
★ 1,099 characters
4.39/5 rDev +10.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
bottled december 15, 2015. poured into a Lawson's finest tulip. appearance is black with a finger or two of khaki head. nice retention and leaves some lacing. appearance is pretty damn appealing!
smell is rich with malts, nice roasty espresso like scents - vanilla bean and chocolate as well. taste is the same, creamy chocolate and vanilla. a really really subtle but pleasant hop bitterness on both nose and tongue. feel is really quality, substantial body but still very drinkable and smooth. overall this is a really rich and flavorful beer... not usually my style but I definitely enjoyed it!
subsequently enjoyed a growler fill of this stuff and it was substantially better. not sure if it was on nitro or something but the feel and flavor were much more full and rich. this is surprisingly complex and flavorful for a stout coming in at 6.5% excellent stuff mbc!!
★ 874 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
bottled december 15, 2015. poured into a Lawson's finest tulip. appearance is black with a finger or two of khaki head. nice retention and leaves some lacing. appearance is pretty damn appealing!
smell is rich with malts, nice roasty espresso like scents - vanilla bean and chocolate as well. taste is the same, creamy chocolate and vanilla. a really really subtle but pleasant hop bitterness on both nose and tongue. feel is really quality, substantial body but still very drinkable and smooth. overall this is a really rich and flavorful beer... not usually my style but I definitely enjoyed it!
subsequently enjoyed a growler fill of this stuff and it was substantially better. not sure if it was on nitro or something but the feel and flavor were much more full and rich. this is surprisingly complex and flavorful for a stout coming in at 6.5% excellent stuff mbc!!
★ 874 characters
3.94/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
On tap at Mike's Place in Berea, OH. Poured into a tulip glass.
Pours dark brown with a 1 inch frothy mocha colored head. Lacing sticks to the sides of th glass. Smells of chocolate, coffee and vanilla. Taste follows the nose with a long lasting vanilla bean finish. Pretty smooth mouthfeel, somewhat creamy. This is another impressive offering from Maine Beer Co. Recommended and would have again.
★ 399 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
On tap at Mike's Place in Berea, OH. Poured into a tulip glass.
Pours dark brown with a 1 inch frothy mocha colored head. Lacing sticks to the sides of th glass. Smells of chocolate, coffee and vanilla. Taste follows the nose with a long lasting vanilla bean finish. Pretty smooth mouthfeel, somewhat creamy. This is another impressive offering from Maine Beer Co. Recommended and would have again.
★ 399 characters
3.9/5 rDev -1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
January 11, 2016
16.9 oz bottle, tulip
A – Light black, some tinges of brown, and appears to be mostly clear. A couple inches or more of deep tan foam, large bubbles and thick, with long retention.
S – Sweet milk chocolate and a blast of vanilla bean, along with some roasted but not bitter espresso, like cold-pressed coffee, and lactose. Low fruity esters, like strawberries or blueberries. Light herbal, woodsy, rustic hops.
T – Vanilla cream, sweet baker’s chocolate, and light espresso. Lactose/milk quality here as well. Low fruitiness, strawberry-like again. Hops are woodsy or floral, low and very difficult to decipher. Very little hop bitterness.
M – Creamy mouthfeel, with an impression of lactose, oats, and/or a nitro pour. Fairly sweet, though not unbalanced; just a slight bit of hop bitterness to even things out. Medium-full body, with moderate-low carbonation, again feels more in the vicinity of a nitro pour because of the oats.
O – Pleasant, complex, drinkable. Love the coffee impression and the strong use of vanilla.
★ 1,072 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
January 11, 2016
16.9 oz bottle, tulip
A – Light black, some tinges of brown, and appears to be mostly clear. A couple inches or more of deep tan foam, large bubbles and thick, with long retention.
S – Sweet milk chocolate and a blast of vanilla bean, along with some roasted but not bitter espresso, like cold-pressed coffee, and lactose. Low fruity esters, like strawberries or blueberries. Light herbal, woodsy, rustic hops.
T – Vanilla cream, sweet baker’s chocolate, and light espresso. Lactose/milk quality here as well. Low fruitiness, strawberry-like again. Hops are woodsy or floral, low and very difficult to decipher. Very little hop bitterness.
M – Creamy mouthfeel, with an impression of lactose, oats, and/or a nitro pour. Fairly sweet, though not unbalanced; just a slight bit of hop bitterness to even things out. Medium-full body, with moderate-low carbonation, again feels more in the vicinity of a nitro pour because of the oats.
O – Pleasant, complex, drinkable. Love the coffee impression and the strong use of vanilla.
★ 1,072 characters
4.41/5 rDev +11.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Everyone seems obsessed with high ABV, BA Stouts these days. Mean Old Tom is neither - it's a very easy drinking 6.5% ABV and even without time in a barrel, it's an extremely complex and delicious stout. Maine Beer Co has their house in order - it sure seems everything these guys churn out is spot on. Well done.
★ 316 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Everyone seems obsessed with high ABV, BA Stouts these days. Mean Old Tom is neither - it's a very easy drinking 6.5% ABV and even without time in a barrel, it's an extremely complex and delicious stout. Maine Beer Co has their house in order - it sure seems everything these guys churn out is spot on. Well done.
★ 316 characters
4.81/5 rDev +21.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
highly underrated stout from one of America's great brewery. In the world of barrel aged and sometimes over the top flavor combos, this is a pleasent respite. great nose of roasted coffee and dark choclate. silky mouthfeel thanks to the oats and lingering flavor. not so much as to overwhelm one but enough to love it and go for the next sip, and next , and next, till....
★ 372 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
highly underrated stout from one of America's great brewery. In the world of barrel aged and sometimes over the top flavor combos, this is a pleasent respite. great nose of roasted coffee and dark choclate. silky mouthfeel thanks to the oats and lingering flavor. not so much as to overwhelm one but enough to love it and go for the next sip, and next , and next, till....
★ 372 characters
3.98/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Very dark pour, mostly black, gives beige rich head of tiny bubbles. Aroma delivers on the vanilla bean and roast, chocolate to a lesser degree.
Taste is again smooth, accentuating the smooth malt job, chocolate and vanilla bean. Not overly sweet or roasty, decently balanced, straddles the line between American stout and porter. A lil pricey at $5 a bottle or whatnot, but its an enjoyable beer every time.
★ 412 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Very dark pour, mostly black, gives beige rich head of tiny bubbles. Aroma delivers on the vanilla bean and roast, chocolate to a lesser degree.
Taste is again smooth, accentuating the smooth malt job, chocolate and vanilla bean. Not overly sweet or roasty, decently balanced, straddles the line between American stout and porter. A lil pricey at $5 a bottle or whatnot, but its an enjoyable beer every time.
★ 412 characters
Mean Old Tom from Maine Beer Company
3.96
out of 5
based on 2,313 ratings.
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Sampled at brewery. Great rendition. Still has that fresh taste of the sea salt air but fills the role of classic stout at same time- interesting combo. Dark opaque haze. Sweet malt build. Silk then crisper finish then most.
★ 224 characters