Let’s get around to the fourth beer in my futile attempt to get a dozen of these Christmas beers to match the series title. It was a valiant effort, but before I give up, there are a few more beers to come.
This is another local beer sent by Louis Glunz Beer Co. for my consideration. Maplewood Brewery & Distillery is Chicago’s only establishment making both beer and spirits, at 2717 N Maplewood Ave. This will be the first by them I’ve been able to try: Dark Saison, a Farmhouse Ale brewed with cranberries. The label lists a mix of grains: Pilsner, Munich, Special W, Dehusked Carafa III and Chocolate Rye, plus Warrior and Mt. Hood hops, and Oregon cranberries. The total is 6.3% abv.
Under the cap, there a lighter cranberry smell, kind of like a diluted cranberry wine. The color is a dark ruby brown. There’s a minimal stream of bubbles feeding a a short-lived tan head.
The taste is rather malty up front, particularly with the aromatic quality of a Belgian pilsner. Hops are light, letting the warm saison complexity in. This style is usually noted for a funky quality, but that’s mostly absent here. Instead there’s a minimal tartness that may be as much from the cranberry as anything else. There’s some sediment at the bottom of the bottle, so you should hold back the last few ounces of the bottle, then swirl it into your empty glass for a bite of yeastiness.
The total package is a bit fruity, a bit spicy, decently carbonated. It should work best with a creamy dessert or cheese. But this would fit in at any part of a holiday.
