Last Course - Maple Pecan Pie
Farm by Beer Tree Brew Co.

Fills a Pretentious Glass Company Imperial snifter very dark brown (SRM 31-34). A short-lived, half inch, light chestnut, creamy head quickly retreats to a ring. Spotty lace and a viscous film come and go, leaving no legs. When put to the light, it has dark mahogany highlights and appears to be clear. It is difficult to say if micro-fine carbonation or sediment particles are in suspension.

The aroma delivers on the promise of maple and pecan, although both are fairly mild. Graham cracker and dark roasted malt are faint. Alcohol is apparent though far from boozy, while chocolate syrup becomes apparent with warmth. The aromas are all surprisingly mild.

Sweetness is well controlled, even though it is center stage. Bitterness hums in the background, while maple and pecan are obvious without being obnoxious. The roasted malt is a background flavor that leads to a long lactose forward finish. Warmth again brings out chocolate.

The texture is dense and rubbery, with fine carbonation that is ample, although seemingly less lively due to the density of this beer. The alcohol is clearly high, yet no heat comes from it and it is far below expectations of ten percent. Residual sugar quickly builds on the lips.

This is undoubtedly a dessert beer. The aroma and flavor work well together, and nothing seems to showboat.

 

 

 

Dated 12/21/20 "Ryan's Pocket Nuts" . Let warm to ~55F.

Deep mahogany brown, with 1.5 fingers of dark tan head.

Smells of graham cracker pie crust, slightly charred/hard-baked maple, a slight nutty aroma, and (mostly) liquid chocolate. There is a bit of alcohol, as in chocolate liqueur , from the open can. The pie crust scent fades with the head.

Taste is semi-sweet chocolate, coffee, a slight touch of the pie crust suggested by the aroma, that fades, and then comes back at/after finish, and a slightly smoky/toasted maple+nut flavor. In total, comes across as the suggested maple & pecan pie, plus a bit of chocolate, with a sip of coffee. Light bitterness.

Feel is moderately syrupy, with light, very,very fine carbonation tingle. Light drying on the tip of the tongue after finish . That dry/scraped feel is akin to what I get from some light lagers, but to a lesser degree. It does take the edge off the sweetness, which is a positive for me. Slight warming at the back of the palate, throat, and in the chest.

Overall , quite good, though maybe a touch sweeter than I like , but given what it is, not disappointingly so. Probably could use a bit more aging. (Another 4-5 weeks?) In any event, it delivers what the label promises.