Gates of S'mordor - Maple Bourbon Barrel-Aged
Westbrook Brewing Co.

 

 

Pours a ruddy-tinted cola black with a finger or two of very fizzy mocha-colored head that’s gone in seconds leaving no crown or lacing.

Lovely candy-ish aroma of maple, chocolate, vanilla and marshmallow. There are hints of stone fruit beneath, whether from the bourbon or the malt is hard to tell. There may even be a touch of graham cracker, although that may be psychosomatic. The chocolate, marshmallow and maple definitely shine.

The stone fruit — cherry, plum, date — shows more in the taste, coupled with a very, very faint tar-like quality that lends some balance to the overall sweetness, making the beer’s taste a tad darker than the nose. I still get plenty of maple, vanilla and marshmallow, though, as well as some gentian root and cola. Definitely a sugar tooth’s delight.

Relatively thin-bodied, like most of this brewery’s offerings, with a somewhat sticky feel.

Loads of vanilla and marshmallow in this one, with a tasty maple film on top.

 

 

Fuck me running. This beer is so good I can’t feel my face. The maple takes this beer to another level. Everything pops. Big, smooth bourbon barrel with vanilla and toasted, sweet coconut. Maple drizzled s’more. Sweet graham cracker and marshmallow. Cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate coat the palate. Chocolate cake batter.