Maurice River Bourbon Brown
Glasstown Brewing Co.

On draught at the brewery. Served in a plastic cup (due to COVID restrictions). It pours a dark cola-walnut color with thin, khaki-colored lacing and thick, creamy lacing. It smells of roasted malt, burnt coffee, car, and earthy nuts. The taste largely follows the nose with abundant dark malts, freshly-brewed coffee, earthy burnt nuts, and a touch of caramel. There are also notes of oak and bourbon which adds to the sweetness. This ale is on the thin side with pleasant carbonation, and considering the flavor profile it's very easy to drink at 6.5% ABV. Overall, Maurice River Bourbon Brown is well-conceived and executed; a very nice seasonal offering.

Glasstown Brewing Co. "Maurice River Bourbon Brown"
16 fl. oz. can without production codes or freshness dating.
$3.79 @ Total Wine & More, Cherry Hill, NJ

Notes via stream of consciousness: Well it's got some carbonation to it, I can see that. I'm hoping that I was just a little rough with my pour but I doubt it. I certainly hope that this isn't old. I'll have to wait a few minutes for the head to settle as it's about half of the glass right now. I'm not getting a lot from the aroma, just a bit of dark malt that's a little toasty and chocolatey. I've been able to top up now and I've got a big bubbled tan head atop a very dark brown body that displays mahogany highlights when held to the light. The flavor doesn't wow me, and based on the aroma that's to be expected. This is 6.5% abv but there's not a lot of residual sweet malt to it, it's thoroughly fermented out. It's a little like dark chocolate, somewhat toasty, subtly fruity, and you do get a light touch of Bourbon flavor in the finish. I'm not finding any oak though, which is odd. I understand that it doesn't say barrel aged on it, but it's illegal to add Bourbon straight into your brew. The alternative would be to use a Bourbon flavoring, but there's no mention of that on the label, which would also be illegal if they're using one. They could be using oak staves that are soaked in Bourbon but just past their prime for giving up oak, but who knows? Whatever the case may be, there is some Bourbon flavor to it which is nice, but don't expect too much. It's nicely balanced with a moderate bitterness. In the mouth it's medium bodied and crisp. Overall it's a decent brown ale that's a bit stronger than most, and slightly different.
Review #7,031

Very light on the bourbon. Just a feint after taste.