Midland English Brown Maple Ale
Bucket Brigade Brewery

On draught at the brewery. Served in a plastic cup due to COVID restrictions. It pours a cloudy cola color with minimal head or lacing. Initially, the smell was subdued but it became more pronounced as the ale warmed in the glass: freshly-brewed coffee, tobacco smoke, burnt caramel, nutty char, chocolate, and subtle but noticeable maple syrup. Like the smell, the taste improved markedly with the increase in temperature. It's very earthy and nutty with notes of coffee and burnt caramel. At first, I could not taste the maple but by the end of the pour it was distinctive. There is a slight bitterness at the finish. As expected for the style it's lite in body with moderate carbonation. And the 5.1% ABV is appropriate. Overall, this is an example of a beer that really grew on me so I'm glad I didn't drink it too quickly. Patience is a virtue with this Ale; let it warm and breathe and you'll be rewarded. I wish more brewers would brew this style.