Mad River Maple Ale

Review Date 1/1/2025 By John Staradumsky

  Style: Spiced   Brewery: Lawson's Finest Liquids   Country: USA   State: Vermont   $ Per OZ: $.27 (B)   ABV: 8%

When many folks think of fall and beer, they think of pumpkin beer. Of course, there is Octoberfest, too, but in the good old US of A pumpkins are a huge deal. Less celebrated in beer but equally deserving of praise is maple syrup. Maple works so well in dark beers like porters and especially brown ales, and it really is so much like fall in a glass.

When you’re talking maple syrup, you think of Vermont. At least I do. So when I saw Lawson’s Finest Liquids Mad River Maple Maple Ale available at Half Time, I was all over it. Who wouldn’t be?

Lawson’s says:

Mad River Maple is our robust, rich maple ale which is loaded with 100% pure Vermont maple syrup. It delivers a smooth and palate pleasing mouth feel with a slightly sweet finish!

Lawson’s Mad River Maple Maple Ale has an alcohol content of 8% by volume and I paid $6.99 for my pint can at Half Time. I ordered it on November 2^nd and the beer was stamped CANNED ON 10/23/24 on the bottom, which is a pretty impressive turnaround. Total Wine sells this for $16.99 a 4-pack in Danvers, Massachusetts.

Lawson’s Finest Liquids Mad River Maple Maple Ale pours to a deep mahogany color with a medium sized head and a rich nose of caramel and maple. Taking a sip, the beer is medium in body, chewy malty with chocolate and caramel and toffee and dark fruit raisin. The maple comes through in all its glory, and the beer finishes balanced bitter.

I just loved this one, and you know I would drink it again if I come across it.

Glad I tried it?  T