Fungus Shui Mushroom Ale
Meadowlark Brewing

this is cool on a number of levels, not the first candy cap mushroom beer ive had, the robust earthy and maple notes work with in a number of styles, but this is well planned and executed, and the addition of honey is unique, youd think it would get too sweet, but it doesnt, its balanced and flavorful, and the mushroom and the honey seem to highlight one another, like both are exceedingly forward in the aroma and flavor of this, both unmistakable. surprised to see this so pale and clear, expected more malty with the richer extras, but this hits like a golden ale in terms of color and body, not super light, but certainly not a malty base beer. the nose and taste are driven by the mushroom, its way more than an accent, incredibly unique. the honey picks up in the second half of this, but its not diabetic in the finish, its got some balance to it. doesnt seem hoppy but im maybe getting this herbal wrinkle from the honey, could be a clover type, lightly spicy too late, white pepper, anise, and of course maple syrup. relatively tidy ferment, excellent carbonation, and a long and increasingly complex aftertaste, earthy and organic, slightly desserty, strange as they come, unforgettable and extremely well done! great use of this exotic ingredient in a drinkable beer! this would do well in a sauternes barrel or something too...

 

L:. Pours a very clear golden straw yellow with very little head and no lacing on the glass.

S:. Strong honey and maple note mixed with a earthy mushroom and some nuttiness.

T:. Very strong honey, hints of maple, earthy mushrooms a bit of nut. Smells sweet but finishes fairly dry.

F:. Lighter body, carbonation is a little weird.

O:. This is an interesting beer, unique but it doesn't quite come together.

Poured from 22oz bottle into glass. No bottling date found.
Clear, pale gold colored body. One finger of off white colored head, which settles to thick cap. A couple of spots of lacing are left behind after each sip.
Earthy aroma with definite smell of maple syrup. Quite surprising that honey and mushrooms in the brew produce this smell.
Taste is sweet, with the smooth flavor of maple syrup. Earthy and grassy taste notes blend in.
Creamy and fuller mouth feel. Good carbonation, with a little sting on the tongue.
From the label name, this beer does not prove itself until it is poured and sampled. The lighter color is surprising, and the smell/flavor is really unexpected. No taste or smell suggests a mushroom ingredient but the blend of what's in the beer result in a true treat.

From notes taken 08/10/17:

Rich and bright golden yellow, very clear. White, light and wispy head of good retention. In bottle, smells like maple syrup. Must be the honey combined with the musty earthiness of the shrooms. In glass, more fungal, but good balance with the honey and grassy grains. More maple just as it occurs to me the label says “surreal maple flavor.” Neat. It’s also grassy, and fairly both earthy and vegetal, reminding me of peas, akin to what I’ve encountered in some Irish Reds and the occasional Belgian offering. Alcoholic spice as well, in finish. Medium-bodied, creamy, velvety.

 

From BeerAdvocate magazine #125 (June 2017):

When you think “maple” you think “dark beer,” but this ale is surprisingly clear and golden with a short-lived head. The aroma is full of maple syrup with earthy and buttery notes. And, sure enough, it tastes exactly like maple syrup. Slightly crisp with a light body, both of which allow the maple flavors to dominate. Some local honey amplifies the perceived sweetness, which borders safely below cloying with a delicious fermented honey and light mead-like finish.

Except for an earthy edge, there’s really no sign of mushrooms. But as the beer warms and leaves the palate, I do start to pick up both savory and sweet notes of curry. It’s kind of crazy, and I’m finding myself lingering with the flavors just to see if more will unfold.

Brewed annually in the spring and available on draft and in bottles, Fungus Shui is truly an “aha!” beer moment that all gastronomy geeks must try.

 

From a 22 ounce bomber picked up @ good earth market.

Pours a clear copper with reddish hues. Head is generous but slowly recedes, leaving some film and little lacing.

Flavor is wonderful. The label is spot on; there's a maple syrup flavor present. There is some sweet malts, similar to an Oktoberfest marzen. Carbonation can be... strange. It's not overly light but still gives a feel more akin to mead than beer. It's both thin yeth complex.

Very good. Very untraditional. Recommended.