Maple Session
Barley Brown's Brewpub

a neat take on the style here, not sure i would call it a session at this strength, but it definitely drinks lighter than a lot of the other spiced ales out there this time of year, and seems almost thin on the palate. lots to like about this beer, its done with cinnamon and allspice but not over spiced at all, these are accent flavors. the maple syrup is appreciable in both the aroma and the flavor, but this is never sugary, even in the middle, the finish is even dry for what it is, impressive. this is like the antithesis to most of what is out there in this style this time of year, its light and its clean and it is a beer you want to have several of, so maybe session here can be ascribed in regards to more than just abv. its a slightly dim amber color in the glass with little more than some patchy lace at the edges for a head, aroma of nutty malts and the maple, hints of dry cocoa and raisin too, not too deep through, a little simple really, slight warming spices but again minimal, and the flavor is the same. the grain leads in front of maple or spice, which i appreciate, and maybe a little something english from the yeast, it almost has that feel too, sort of under carbonated in a way that flatters it. i like all things maple and i liked this too, not what these guys do best, but i like it not being generic, sort of reverse proportioned from a lot of these, enjoyable winter pint!