Highwater Brewing ‘Sugaree’ Maple Pecan Strong Ale

Rating:

36379775_885695511614595_2756698916119379968_n“Ale brewed with Vermont maple sugar, Bourbon barrel oak chips and pecan. Sugaree offers a big slice of flavors that you wish Grandma had put in her famous Thanksgiving pie. Sit back, relax and enjoy a wonderful bottle of liquid love. You will be transported back to times of holiday joy and family get togethers from the past. This is a special treat from us to you, to help relive some of those special memories or maybe help create some new ones.”

Glassware: Tulip.

Appearance: A bold burgundy with candy red highlights. The head is loosely packed, swelling to a thumb in height before it breaks up and retreats to the rim. It still manages to coat the glass as we imbibe.

Aroma: Holy moly we’re getting a sugar high just from smelling it. That is super impressive though it literally smells like a glass of maple syrup. Once it settles the pecans start to come through with its somewhat earthy and savoury sweetness. Not a lot else can get past that maple syrup, maybe hints of brown sugar, vanilla extract and a hint of oak but that’s about it.

Flavour: Less maple syrup and more pecan that’s for sure. The booze (9.8% ABV) reveals itself and the oak chips and bitter roast adds depth and a crucial counter balance to all of the sweetness. We’re only just starting to pick up the bourbon notes now although they’re still pretty delicate. It shows mild vanilla, caramel and spice which pairs back up with the maple syrup to finish on a length.

Mouthfeel: Not at all heavy but it still holds a good weight throughout. Some heat from the booze but also a nice and sticky texture going on.

Overall: It’s amazing how far they took the maple syrup without overdoing it. We could only imagine how well this beer would go with an actual slice of maple covered pecan pie….or any dessert for that matter. Sensational.