Wide Awake It's Morning

Initially there is a huge waft of toffee in the nose, though this quickly calms down to allow for a generous maple syrup character mixed with the aroma of a coffee house – espresso and fresh-brewed coffee. To add to the complexity, there's a touch of smokiness underneath it all. There is a very modest “beer” character that pokes through these additions, which could be generically described as “dark beer essence,” with a rich, full body and notes of a malty, biscuity backbone. There is no perceivable hop character (as expected) and minimal bitterness -- just enough to soften the intensely sweet perception brought on by the maple quality. While I am not a huge fan of flavored beers, the balance struck between all the ingredients here is admirable and the overall enjoyment is enough to convert me. This could be a nice beer to pair with a pancake brunch (for Father’s Day perhaps?) or possibly a beignet dessert course.