I picked out this fall-y beer in a mad rush to grab something at my favorite liquor store in Evanston before my train came. I guess I had fall flavors, Canada (aka Jenny) and darker American beers on the brain (holy shit Goose Island BCS is amazing), because this interesting sounding little number is what struck my eye during the scramble. Go figure.

Brewery Hometown: Idaho Springs, CO

Appearance: A clear amber brown, strong off-white head with good lacing. The head builds strongly with a modest pour and as you will see below, gives off a strong, great scent.

Aroma: Sweet with big overtones of maple and nuts. Scent is crisp and clear, the maple does not come across to sweet or fake, wonderful! The chocolate malts mix in nicely as well.

Taste: Nutty! I have to admit my first thought even before taking a sip was to compare it to Goose Island’s Nut Brown Ale. After a first sip, the dark nut taste is a little pale in comparison but is supported by a wonderful sweet, maple kick initially, followed by a dry coffee/chocolate aftertaste that lingers nicely. I thought that the flavor was a little thin, watery, but every once in a while another taste chord such as the sweet balance of the maple would linger in. At the end of the bottle, the sweetness was a little too much.

Alcohol: ??? Guessing 5%

Drink one or all?: 1. Too sweet for multiples.

Cost: $9/6 pack

Overall: 14/20