Maine Beer Co. Mean Old Tom

__Aroma:__ “A light yeast or bread note up front in the head. Once the head dissipates, the earthy/dirty hops bitterness emerges, with notes of pine and melon. Aromas of pineapple, mango, floral, and lemon show through, and as it warms, more of the tropical fruits come out.” __Flavor:__ “Moderate bitterness, with light pine notes that extend well into the finish. Light dank and earthy notes, with a little pine and hops freshness. The flavors are delicate, with notes of pineapple, lemon, and tropical fruit. The mouthfeel is creamy and soft, with gorgeous carbonation.” __Overall:__ “A strategic mix of hops bitterness and fruity flavors, with earthy and light dank notes. It’s creamy and soft with a subtle and delicate hops fruitiness that evolves and intrigues as you drink it.”

__Aroma:__ “Yeast and a light bread note come from about 1 inch of head. After it diminishes, bitterness with a bit of spiciness emerges. Citrus notes of orange, lemon, and pineapple, with notes of pine. Restrained aromatics.” __Flavor:__ “Moderate bitterness up front, with dank, pine, and spicy bitterness. The hops bitterness is present but not big. Smooth body, with great carbonation and a nice blended character of spicy pine bitterness from the hops and citrus-rind notes. A light melon note toward the end of the sip.” __Overall:__ “Fans of juicier NE-style IPAs will notice the pine bitterness of the hops before the citrus notes peek through, but once that initial shock wears off, the layers of fruit flavors emerge. Subtle aroma is not as pronounced as many other American IPAs, but if you prefer a balance toward the bitter side, you’ll like this IPA.”

**Aroma:** “Very nice sweet malt character. Inviting oak aroma up front comes through as vanilla and a hint of almond or toffee. The vanilla is very nice and the chocolate notes (coming through as semisweet and dark chocolate) come through great. Nice roasty and some nutty quality, with some coffee flavors in the back. Bourbon, dark cherry, dark roast, alcohol.. Earthy hops low but noticeable. Light fruity yeast character.” **Flavor:** Lots of chocolate and vanilla carry through from start to finish and are complex and full. Dark fruity notes/cherry esters. Roast and malt character add a good back to the malt sweetness with some good toasty/roast quality. The oak (almost like almond or toffee) adds complexity and shines well; it mellows out the edges. The bourbon and oak blend well, but don’t dominate. Nice warmth in the finish. Vanilla and caramel are in full force but not cloying or annoying. Hops bitterness is appropriately low to make room for the major wood. Alcohol is noticeable but smooth and dangerous.” **Overall:** “The beer is a surprisingly balanced and complex stout that showcases sweet malt, vanilla, and chocolate really well with some nice dark fruit characters. The barrel character was showcased well, and the beer backed up the barrel. Nice and smooth and came together great. Tons of chocolate and vanilla with a restrained roasty character that helps to balance. Definitely seek this one out and share with friends.”