Maple Porter
Madison Brewing Co.

Sampled at their brewery in Bennington, VT. Delivered to my table a deep, opaque brown like molasses with some reddish highlights that appeared when held up to light. A thin tan head topped the brew but the beer retained this well and it laced throughout the sample. The aromas were outstanding, fresh maple syrup, vanilla and some earthy undertones. The flavors were also complex and enjoyable, maple syrup, brown sugar, caramel malt and some chocolate with lurking hops that offered balance. As the beer warmed up some alcohol esters appeared. Smooth and very drinkable. Light carbonation. Robust character yet mellow. Sessionable, well thought out and complex. Despite my bias for darker beers I can safely say this is a stellar example of a porter, the best maple beer I have tasted to date and the best beer Madison makes.