Say it aloud, slowly… M-a-p-l-e P-o-r-t-e-r. The alliteration just swirls nicely around your palate only to slip past your lips doesn’t it? Much like the anticipation and expectation one feels drizzling a decadent syrup over some hot cakes on a cold, winter morning right? Maybe not. I had high expectations for this beer. I wanted a perfect storm between sweet and bitter to unfold; to have the density and viscosity associated with a bold porter to deliver a pleasant bitterness followed by a warm and comforting brown sweetness. Something that would take me back to my childhood mopping up grandma’s griddle cakes on a Saturday morning. But, alas, it never came. This beer is interesting in that there is no skimping on the maple-y goodness. In fact, so much so that the porter characteristics are almost lost. Make no mistake, this is a fun winter beer that certainly delivers a “whoa” to your palate. But if you are looking for a heavy, pleasing porter to curl up with this winter, this may not be your beer.