To Øl Goliat Maple Beacon Edition

10.2% ABV
Beer Advocate - 3.78/5
Untappd - 3.93/5


220C. Imperial Stout

An intensely-flavored, big, dark ale with a wide range of flavor balances and regional interpretations. Roasty-burnt malt with deep dark or dried fruit flavors, and a warming, bittersweet finish. Despite the intense flavors, the components need to meld together to create a complex, harmonious beer, not a hot mess.

Purchased at Market of Choice

So, ok, I originally selected this brew because I thought the label said Maple Bacon...it doesn't. It actually reads Maple Beacon...and I have no idea what this means. Whatever, it's an imperial stout that rested on bourbon oak chips. It has to be good, right? On to the review!

Aroma:  On my first whiff, I detect a little smoke. Behind it is a sweet burnt sugar (maybe maple?) and an earthy wood aroma. Finishes off with a faint coffee and chocolate teaser.  8

Appearance:   Black. Tar black, with a nice thick tan head that lasts for a very long time. Great lacing.  9

Flavor:  A touch of smoke up front. Dives in to some coffee bitterness that parlays into some chocolate undertones. Smooths out to a sweet burnt sugar and some earthiness on the back end. Very little bourbon but it is detectable if you try hard enough.  8

Mouthfeel:  Heavy, thick, oily. Coats the mouth and leaves you tasting the brew well after each sip.  8

Overall:  After my initial disappointment of realizing there is no bacon in this brew, I was definitely satisfied with the quality of it. In other words, the disappointment didn't last long after the first sip. To Øl does a nice job mingling different, distinct flavors into this bottle of smoky imperial heaviness. None of which are overpowering. This is a definite must try if you come across it.  8.25


Matt's mark: 4.13/5