Cocoa Mapalm (15%)
Aslin Beer Company

 

This beer pours viscous and almost black from the can. Large, thin, dark brown bubbles form as I vigorously pour into my stemmed wine glass. glass. The type of bubbles that flare up and then immediately disappear indicating low carbonation. This beer cascades with tiny, dark brown bubbles rising up from the bottom to form a huge light brown head. After pouring, the head settles down to just a thin ring around the edge of the glass. The beer is opaque, black some some cola colored highlights when held to the light. No carbonation, lacing or legs.

The aroma is maple syrup complemented with burnt coffee, toast, vanilla, chocolate, marshmallow. Zero inkling of the 15% ABV. Nice maple aroma but not in your face or artificial.

The main flavor of this beer is maple, but this is not the most maple forward stout I’ve had. In fact there are many other qualities to this beer that elevate it beyond a dessert stout. Nutty, woody, chocolatey, chocolate covered cherries, marshmallow. There is a toasty bitterness. The beer finishes long, dries out somewhat.

The mouthfeel is very thick with almost no carbonation. The beer gets a bit dry. Sugary sweetness lingers on my lips. Some pleasant warmth from the ABV.

Overall, I’m really enjoying this beer. It is hands down one of the most drinkable high ABV beers I have ever had. This beer is not over the top with maple. In fact it drinks like a stout first with a maple addition. Really excellent stuff without being too sweet or boozy.