Mayflower Thanksgiving Ale - Mayflower Brewing Company

smcolw

Massachusetts

3.83/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Deep ruby-amber color. Appears to be completely clear. Moderate head, but it leaves nice ring lace initially.

Malty with a dollop of caramel to the nose. Light alcohol in the background with just enough hop to prevent it from being cloying.

Interesting blend of high-alcohol, darker dryish malts and spicy hop. In the swallow, the alcohol wins out. Certainly, it's not an everyday beer. Somewhat thin for the style. I do like the balance of the aftertaste.

Serving type: bottle

11-26-2010 19:35:59 | More by smcolw

TrevorGW

Massachusetts

3.8/5  rDev -2.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Chestnut brown ... surprisingly not much head to speak of.

Smells of caramel, bread and maple syrup.

Taste has the slight hints of wood and vanilla, but is cut off by a brassy, metallic finish. None of the secret ingredients are coming across fully. Muddled ... but maybe knowing the ingredients hindered my experience. An excellent flavor nonetheless. Very versatile and balanced.

The light carbonation is a real asset of this beer. Very soft and pleasing on the tongue.

Great drinkability considering the alcohol content. Could go very well with a variety of American fare, and could even taste great on a hot day.

Serving type: on-tap

11-13-2008 01:11:56 | More by TrevorGW

jamie2dope

Massachusetts

3.8/5  rDev -2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

It is great to see Mayflower release their first big beer in bombers. I was lucky enough to try this last year on tap, and now it has arrived in the bottle. I poured it in to a Duvel glass. Color is a dark rosewood color, with a big pillow like white head. Despite the color, it still maintains a lot of clarity when held up to the light next to me. The first thing that strikes me is the strong wood notes in the nose, I can tell right off the bat that this had oak involved in it. There are also some smells of peanut butter, vanilla, toffee, and a hint of whiskey. Man, that peanut butter flavor really shows up in the smell along with the oak. Chocolate and molasses are other flavors that come to mind when sipping. It comes off as moderately sized, with the malt dominating...I might like a little more weight. Drinkability is fine, but with the large flavors and complexity, it definitely is a brew to take your time with, and let open up. This is every bit as good as I remember it being last year, perhaps a notch or two better. My favorite thing about this beer is that it speaks to the history of New England. Great stuff here from Mayflower, and I cannot wait to see how that barrel aged Barleywine turns out. Pair this one with Thanksgiving dinner. Cheers

Serving type: bottle

11-05-2009 23:54:43 | More by jamie2dope

joepais

Maine

3.8/5  rDev -2.3%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 4

Thanks to Santa justn for sending this my way.
Bottle poured into a snifter produced a slight tan head that didn't last long. The body of the brew was a golden brown in color.

The aromas of sweet malts and bourbon with a touch of vanilla and spice filled my head. It was quite interesting aroma wise. The flavors mimicked the nose sweet caramel with spices throw in for good luck. There is a light to medium feel in my mouth and light carbonation. I wish the feel was a little thicker for the style.

It was easy to drink the alcohol didn't show up at all and the flavors did make fro a great sipper. I would buy one next year for the holidays, if I see it

Serving type: bottle

01-17-2010 17:37:57 | More by joepais

Bierman9

New Hampshire

3.8/5  rDev -2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Bought this today at Harringtons for $6.95. Now that some leaf-raking is in the bag, time for refreshments. I realize it's not Thanksgiving yet, but some pre-Holiday research is in order.

Ok, so what once was an empty pint glass is no longer... This ale is a clear, deep, striking garnet color. There's a little carbo here and there, slowly heading topside, where a thin, wispy layer of fine, off-white bubbles awaits.
Lacing is light and sparse. The aroma is not overly robust, but does exhibit some caramel and toffee amidst a hint of oakiness. Medium in body, the feel is pretty even and smooth on the tongue, too.

Flavor has some decent maltiness, with caramel present here as well. The oak-barrel aspect is mildly evident, and there's also a vinous quality which reminds me of Old Peculier. The finish is dry, along with some floral hopping hitting the palate. Nothing earth-shattering here, but it is solid and tasty. Prosit!!

3.8 rDev -3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

1404

Serving type: bottle

11-05-2011 20:23:24 | More by Bierman9

brentk56

North Carolina

3.78/5  rDev -2.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Appearance: Pours a burnt caramel color with a modest head that dissolves to a ringlet, leaving a smattering of dots

Smell: Caramel forward, with undertones of maple, rye, cinnamon and leather

Taste: Spicy rye and caramel flavors battle it out up front, with sweet herbal and spruce elements joining the profile by mid-palate to create something not unlike the Ben Franklin recipes that brewers toyed with a few years ago; after the swallow, the leathery herbacious character continues to build

Mouthfeel: Medium body with moderate carbonation

Drinkability: A very different flavor profile and not something I truly warmed up to; quite complex but the spruce/leather/sweet spice herbaciousness ultimately leaves me behind

Thanks, Bounty628, for the opportunity

Serving type: bottle

01-31-2010 21:57:07 | More by brentk56

ppoitras

Massachusetts

3.78/5  rDev -2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

22oz bottle of the 2009 version received from konabrewer. Thanks for the opportunity!

Poured into an imperial pint, formed a 1/4" beige head above the slightly cloudy "10W40" shade of brew. Head quickly morphs into a swirly layer of skim, with leggy slow-falling lace. Aroma is sweet and boozy, with fruitiness fighting for airtime.

Taste follows the nose, with a few peeks of harshness alcohol trying to shout down the maltiness, spicing, and barrel character. Mouthfeel is good, with nice carbonation even after the barrel-aging, and drinkability is pleasing as well. On the lookout in 2010...

Serving type: bottle

10-19-2010 21:59:45 | More by ppoitras

Bendurgin

Maine

3.75/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured into a tulip on second Thanksgiving courtesy of Andy. Thanks! Pour is maple brown with no real head, just a bit of opaque white foam and thin lacing. The aroma is full of a bit of scotch, somewhat fruity and toasty malts. Not bad, just not as complex as I'd hoped. The taste is much like the smell, toasted malts, dried fruit, kind of a scotch finish and a dry finish. The mouthfeel is nice. Smooth, nice carbonation and a little bit dry in the finish. Overall this is nice, I'll enjoy it with my turkey and it drinks pretty well.

Serving type: bottle

11-26-2010 00:53:43 | More by Bendurgin

Urbancaver

Ohio

3.73/5  rDev -4.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Really pretty color. Amber with lots of red in it. Smells hoppy and a bit boozy. Tastes fruity and malty. Very malty ... A bit boozy on the tongue as well, probably should have some more age on it. Fairly drinkable... But too boozy to be more than a sipper

Serving type: bottle

12-22-2010 22:43:45 | More by Urbancaver

Khazadum

Illinois

3.68/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A- Easy to develop head, but the froth doesn't stick too well. Its got some nice retention but its poofy. The bubbles start out miniscule and creamy possibilities... but it quickly flows into something giant, frothy, fluffy, and odd.

S- Sharp.. really sharp, like spices gone old. I smell an all spice and cinnamon characteristic. Beyond that is a sweet and spicy note.. rye and malts. Bit of roasted biscuit character... Bit of clove character, but the finish is strongly phenolic and band-aid like. That belgian yeast strain has played havoc with the nose.

T- Sweet.. very nice caramel character, toasted bread, a brilliant tannic middle, banana right before the finish... and the finish is.. Rye spice with cloves. Ooo, a delightful rye lingering nature with some malted wheat character.

M- Full bodied, creamy, low crisp nature that rises and confounds the finish. Almost ruining the delightful belgian yeast character. Its sometimes lingering too long with biting corners, oxidized malt jumps out because of it. The alcohol doesn't blend well and actually jumps out at higher than 8%.

Not a bad beer at all, but it has some problems that may be due to age... but then the flavors wouldn't be nearly as good. Conflicting on this beer, conflicting.

Serving type: bottle

03-03-2012 01:32:39 | More by Khazadum

Reagan1984

Massachusetts

3.65/5  rDev -6.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

My brother-in-law brought a couple bombers over for the holiday.

Burgundy/Amber color with nice clarity and a shiny brightness. Light tan head that had a short lived existence. Very little lacing remains.

Aroma is of sweet malts, caramel with a brown sugar or molasses quality to it. A hint of the oak to come.

Caramel, Wood, caramel, wood, caramel, wood pretty much sums this up. So it really boils down to this, but there is some interesting flavors here. The rye contributes to a slightly spicy and yet dry finish which accentuated the oak.

Not sticky, but there is a sweetness here that manifests itself on the body of the beer. Very subtle but appropriate carbonation.

A decent little beer for the holiday. The oak really plays a role here and will determine how much you enjoy this beer.

Serving type: bottle

11-27-2010 14:40:26 | More by Reagan1984

DirtyPenny

Massachusetts

3.63/5  rDev -6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured into a great big beer mug.

A: Big bountiful beige head. Dark brown with sharp reddish/orange highlights

S: Sweet, wet and musty. Malt character really comes through as this brew reaches room temp.

T: Sweet caramel malts, woody/nutty molasses and brown sugar mixed with astringent floral hop character and a punch of... maybe raisin and/or plum?. Bitter aftertaste carries with a slight lingering note of sweetness for a while after each swig.

M: Juicy and more than a bit sticky. You won't need to floss afterward, but you might feel like you want to brush your teeth.

O: Good, big beer that will conspire with turkey to put you to sleep for the afternoon. Which is good because the Cowboys always win the late afternoon game, so why bother watching? (Seriously, screw the Cowboys)

Serving type: bottle

11-26-2011 02:15:18 | More by DirtyPenny

weeare138

Pennsylvania

3.55/5  rDev -8.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Much thanks to warriorsoul for bringing this treat down to Capone's for people to share...
Appears a transparent, dark amber with crimson highlights when held to the light. The small, off-white cap slowly fades into a decent collar. Small spots are left around the glass before drooping back down into the collar.
Smell is of caramel, vanilla, light bourbon, and toasted malt.
Taste is of the mentioned aromas with a definite bourbon presence that isn't overbearing.
Mouthfeel is medium bodied, with light tannins, and a sugary, dry finish.

Serving type: growler

12-04-2008 01:06:01 | More by weeare138

Jwale73

Rhode Island

3.55/5  rDev -8.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

2009 vintage served at 50 degrees in my Old Stock snifter. Poured a translucent mahogany with a bubbly, off-white, quarter inch head the quickly disperses into a soapy skim and a cluster of bubbles around the perimeter of the bowl. No lacing on this one. Mild nose - definitely getting a little oak and some sweet malty goodness. Taste follows nose - also a little creamy and toasty, with a touch of bittering hops coming out at the finish and a lightly lingering, somewhat medicinal quality. Mouthfeel is medium-light and lively with a slightly dry finish. Tasty with a well-hidden, but flavor profile seems a little nondescript an American Strong.

Serving type: bottle

11-29-2009 01:40:29 | More by Jwale73

PEBKAC

New York

3.55/5  rDev -8.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Bottle gifted to me by ljkeats & shamefully passed over for a few months till this years' Thanksgiving came up on the calender.

Poured heavy-handedly into a pint-sized crystal vase-like orifice in my grandmother's cabinet. A cascade of colorful fall leaves, maple & gold, move up the glass & settle into a thin cap of off-white head.

Caramelized malt, roasted nuts, & granola sweeten up initial whiff, while a bit of wood & hay bitter it up a bit.

Taste is a big spot of caramelized breakfast cereal, toffee, & maybe some black tea qualities. The hops are herbal, but mild to maybe moderate in strength. A half-sticky old ale is what comes to mind as I drink this. Though it contains much better carbonation & isn't as fruity. Finally noticed that it has that Sam Smith hard/minerally water thing going for it as well.

Overall, pretty nice. A bit thick & a bit seasonal(& a bit confusing), but I enjoyed it. Thank you Jeff.

Serving type: bottle

01-05-2011 06:00:23 | More by PEBKAC

AndyAvalanche

Massachusetts

3.53/5  rDev -9.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured into a Sam Adams Perfect Pint glass. This beer pours brown with a cherry oak colored highlights when held up to the light. Pretty clear in color has a cream colored head that was about an inch and a half thick that goes away fairly quickly. When it's gone it produces a ring around the edges with minimal lacing. The smell isn't what I expected. It actually smells bready/yeasty, Belgian actually, and almost a banana aroma. Malts are present, caramelized. Has a very slight citrus hop that you really have to search for. The taste is better, but still nothing like an American Strong Ale. There's still a lot going on in the flavor department however. Heavy on the malts, maybe some type of bourbon or scotch flavor to it. Very yeasty again and it almost seems to have some type of peanut oil aftertaste. There are some hops present in the flavor as well, has a bitter smokey aftertaste that goes along with the previously mentioned peanut oil taste. With all that's going on. Mouthfeel is pretty good, a little dryer than I expected, but good, it's pretty drinkable as well. I'm generally a pretty big fan of American Strong Ale's, but this was nothing like I've ever tasted before. I'd like to try it on tap and maybe get another bottle, because Im almost not convinced this is what it was supposed to taste like. If I don't like it the second time it won't keep me away from the brewery though, that's for sure.

Serving type: bottle

11-16-2009 03:43:40 | More by AndyAvalanche

jdhilt

New Hampshire

3.53/5  rDev -9.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours a two-finger cream head that fades quickly leaving some lace. Clear amber color. Light-medium carbonation and medium bodied. Light hoppy nose and flavor is malty caramel with a light pine hop finish. $6.49 for a 22oz bottle from Julio's Liquors Westborough, Ma.

Serving type: bottle

11-12-2011 23:13:45 | More by jdhilt

tpd975

Florida

3.5/5  rDev -10%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A: Pours a nice amber hue with a small tan head. Little retention and no lace.

S: Aromas of apples, mild spice, and toffee. Subtle spice and a touch of wood.

T: Brown sugar, caramel, and toffee up front. Mild summer fruits with hints of spice. The are light fresh oak notes with a touch of dark fruit.

M: Medium in body, mild carbonation.

D: Not bad. Solid but not great.

Serving type: bottle

08-31-2010 18:13:12 | More by tpd975

mountdew1

New Hampshire

3.5/5  rDev -10%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

22oz bomber poured into an imperial pint glass. Color was a dark reddish brown with a hint of orange. Practically no head save for a small ring. Aroma was slightly sugary sweet, very small hint of alcohol, touch of caramel. Taste was a tad bitter up front, but mellowed out. Not as sweet as would be expected, a small hint of smokiness. Not quite what I would expect for this style. Felt outstanding in the mouth, coated extremely well, with just a hint of carbonation. Fairly drinkable, not overly strong, and not as syrupy as some.

Serving type: bottle

11-26-2010 23:15:35 | More by mountdew1

tigg924

Massachusetts

3.5/5  rDev -10%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured into a pint glass. Had at New World Tavern--Plymouth

Appearance: 1/4 inch head, moderate carbonation, dark red/brown in color, clear

Smell: roasted malt and chocolate

Taste: cinnamon, roasted malt, holiday spices, dark bread and dark fruit

Mouthfeel: sweetish start with a bitter middle and a sweeter end, moderate carbonation, medium bodied

Overall: A nice and malty treat. This seems like a super spiced up dubbel with some of the flavors of a Christmas beer. I could have a pint or two. Not something I would get year round, but good for a cool night.

Serving type: on-tap

11-21-2011 14:23:37 | More by tigg924

chefhatt

Pennsylvania

3.5/5  rDev -10%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

I poured this beer into a pint glass, it has a deep amber color body with no head to it. The smell is rich and malty. The tate is very malty and sweet. It also has some spice to it (cinnamon,allspice,nutmeg). The mouth feel is nice and smooth. Overall this is a good beer for the winter time.

Serving type: bottle

04-23-2012 20:24:00 | More by chefhatt

tzieser

Arizona

3.48/5  rDev -10.5%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

i've had this one both on-tap and off in the past, but i have yet to review it....keep in mind, the brewer said himself this is not an old ale (the label may mislead you , so i will

a: 22oz bomber poured into a Samuel Smith nonic glass. very small one finger head, even with a rough pour, that dissapates very quickly into a very thin lacing arond the glass. beautiful clear dark amber color, though. i was expecting more carbonation.

s: lots of rich malts dominate the palate. alot of rye in the nose, with hints of hops and a very subtle belgian-type aroma....strange, yet good. more complex than i expected.

t: rye malts hit the tongue first, followed by some other nice sweet caramel/molasses flavors....brown sugar? interesting. pretty decent, and surprising kick of hops in the back. however, this is definitely a maltier brew and almost reminds me more of a dark lager.

m&d: kinda slick mouthfeel, not very enjoyable. drinkability is good. i could have a few, but 8 bucks a bomber isnt exactly a bargain. also-- why won't they fill growlers of this stuff at the brewery? they'll give samples, but won't let you fill up. major bummer.

again, if you're going into this beer thinking old ale, you will be disappointed. the beer has some downsides, but the flavor is definitely there. i'd say it's worth a try at least once.

Serving type: bottle

01-10-2010 00:08:19 | More by tzieser

brdc

Wisconsin

3.43/5  rDev -11.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Thanks, I believe to portia99 for this one.

Golden brown, clear, very thin light tan head despite a vigorous pour, minimal retention.
The bottle itself describes it as an old ale, but it does not feel that way. Aroma shows some bourbon notes, caramel, and a bit more hops *(fruity) than expected on the nose.
Thinner than expected on the palate, the taste is also hoppier than expected, and feels a little bit higher than the described 40 IBUs. Caramel is also here, some slight bourbon and vanilla, no alcohol heat at all.
I would prefer this one slightly sweeter, or at least better balanced, and definitely heavier on the palate. Still pleasant.

Serving type: bottle

12-09-2009 00:42:07 | More by brdc

MasterSki

Illinois

3.43/5  rDev -11.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

2011 vintage I believe - took me a year to get to this. I think this was from Reagan1984, but I can't completely remember. Served in a taster pint glass.

A - Off-white foam settles to a thin collar, a few wisps, and a few specks of lace. Transparent ruby-brown body.

S - Oaky, with sharp and slightly spicy and phenolic yeast notes, as well as a bit of fruitiness and tart berry. Even though this is supposedly brewed with Belgian yeast, there's more of an English vibe going on. Seems more like an English Strong with oak.

T - The taste has more toffee and biscuit sweetness, with some oak and vanilla flavors mixed in. There's some fruity yeast, and not much alcohol presence. Better than the aroma, although the finish is a bit flaccid and heavy on the oak.

M - Medium body, moderate and soft carbonation, oaky texture, and dry in the finish. Not much alcohol, considering the 8% ABV.

D - There's a bit too much oak character, even after a year, but there's nothing really 'wrong' with this beer; it's just not all that special. If there were limited options I certainly wouldn't turn it down, but I can think of numerous beers I'd rather drink first.

Serving type: bottle

12-03-2012 22:31:56 | More by MasterSki

silentjay

Massachusetts

3.38/5  rDev -13.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

a dark brown that is almost opaque with some mahogany tints when held up to the light. the head raises up to two fingers but quickly recedes to a spattering of a film, but laces ok along the way.

a good amount of rye spice mixes with caramel, toffee and molasses dark malts, a touch of vanilla oakiness, and a good amount of dark fruits.

taste follows with rye hitting first, sweet and fruity malts coming next, some esters, a bit of metallic hops throughout. some harshness from alcohol, and the flavors are fighting amongst each other as well.

nice medium full body with a bit too much carbonation for the flavors and a bit of heat.

drinks okay, but doesn't quite come together very well. wants to be a smooth drinker, but stays too harsh. won't pick up another one to drink with Thanksgiving dinner.

Serving type: bottle

11-17-2010 04:40:34 | More by silentjay