2014 has been filled (already) with firsts. Me getting to try my first beers from breweries new and old. And another brewery etches its name on the list. Maine Beer Co. from Freeport. Here is my review of their Stout aged on Vanilla beans, Mean Old Tom.
First off (sorry about that), love the simplicity of the label. Believe it or not that does send a message almost as powerful as the aroma of a beer. “Do What’s Right” really resonates with me. The initial aroma isn’t as vanilla forward as I thought it would be. Beneath the espresso/latte foam lies a smooth mellow and persistent hit of milk chocolate. Some bitter coffee notes linger just out of reach as well.
Flavor wise, again it hits the milk chocolate. Maybe that is the subtle mixture of chocolate malt with the vanilla beans that creates that. The taste is really nice though. And I get a hint of cola flavor as well. And while it isn’t velvety smooth, Mean Old Tom isn’t thin on the palate either. It is riding the line in between which is rare these days. Same for the ABV. This is light but deep.
