Maple Stout
Sisyphus Brewing

 

 

 

 

without question this was my favorite beer here, and its something a little less common than it sounds. instead of maple syrup in here, its aged on maple wood, really unique, you dont see a whole lot of breweries using maple wood, and perhaps their small system allows for some more experimentation and access to cool ingredients than if they were having to make larger batches. either way, this is special stuff and i am grateful for it. at its base is a very bitter roasty stout with nice coffee notes to it and an almost chalky dryness, not the usual flavors in a maple stout! unlike oak, with a very characteristic and sometimes quite strong flavor profile, the maple wood is a bit different, seemingly imparting a little less flavor, adding bitterness but also smoothness, and a really truly earthy vibe without very much sweetness, a wonderful complexion to say the least, especially over the dark roasted barley and with all of this body, it plays a key role and its pretty much brand new to my palate in flavor and texture, i had a blast drinking this one slowly and trying to appreciate what this wood is all about. they should do a cream ale or something with the wood too for a little perspective. smooth and easy drinking, very well made, and quite distinct and memorable. if you only get one beer here, this is it!

At the tap room, into a snifter. Served too cold...as it warms, it unfolds nicely. Pours a jet black with a thin crown of khaki head...little lacing. Nose has a lot of roasty notes, some coffee acidic bitterness, some bitter chicory...just a hint of maple sweetness at the edges. Taste follows the nose...faint bitterness, lots of roasted malts. A little thin on the body.

Appearance: solid blackness, with a tight, toasted tan head.

Aroma: Roast-y and bittersweet at first, then smoothness reigns. Sweet malty notes are in there, too. Dark fruit hints, as well, raisin and date.

Taste: As in the nose, bittersweet-ness and roasty malt comes across first and foremost. The eponymous maple doesn't scream out of the brew, it hums and whispers. It's from the wood, not the syrup, and the effects are delicate and subtle, but highly rewarding. Oats aid the texture and the drinkability. Those dark fruit flavors from the aroma pop up now, too. It's tasty, tasty stuff and I'm glad to be drinking it.