Perennial Artisan Ales Maman 2018
What the brewers say
2018 Maman was aged for 12 to 14 months in Rittenhouse Rye barrels before blending and packaging. It’s our purest expression of beer in oak and presents a luxurious combination of cocoa, caramel, vanilla, and ma-ple wrapped up with a big boozy bow.
What our panel thought
Lucious notes of chocolate and bourbon jump out instantly on the aroma, which flows perfectly into a chewy-bodied stout full of smooth chocolate bourbon cake. The base beer holds up excellently against the aging and blends the barrel character in expertly. Delicate spices dance over waves of sheeting chocolate while riding the line of overtly sweet. Finishes out fairly dry.
What our editors thought
Inky and dark with gripping legs that belie a rich body. The nose is anise and dark chocolate with low-key oaky bourbon notes, while the sip is soothing and rich with glimpses of spicy fight that give definition to the luxurious experience.