Mayflower Thanksgiving Ale - Mayflower Brewing Company

brentk56

North Carolina

3.78/5  rDev -3.3%
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 -3.3%
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

TrevorGW

Massachusetts

3.8/5  rDev -2.8%
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 -2.8%
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 -2.8%
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 -2.8%
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

smcolw

Massachusetts

3.83/5  rDev -2%
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

Cakanator

Massachusetts

3.85/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

22oz bottle, Happy Thanksgiving at dinner! POurs a nice darker brown, nice lookng carbonation. I can smell the heavier sugars and can feel this one is gonna feel bigger than the ABV. Sure enough a thicker mouthfeel but not overwhelming. Molasses and honey finish this beer sweet but not cloying. A worth first beer at the table!

Serving type: bottle

11-26-2009 23:13:35 | More by Cakanator

CheezyBlaster

Massachusetts

3.85/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Nose: Moxie, fennel seed, coffee and spice-like notes, molasses of course. Pretty active, didn't expect that at all.

Mouth and taste: Malts do the work. Medium bodied and creamy, but with a great lifting carbonation. Definitely semi-dark and toasted with hints of warming spiciness, but definitely not "spiced" tasting. Cola and rootbeer candy kick around. Tickle of "porter" dryness after the swallow, but wet and semi-sticky overall. Touch of diacetyl.

I'll give some thanks for this nice ale. The American Strong umbrella is sooo big though. Definitely not an Arrogant or Nosferatu in likeness at all.

Serving type: bottle

11-04-2011 23:31:24 | More by CheezyBlaster

albern

Massachusetts

3.88/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This has the makings of a red ale, on high test. The beer is low carbonation, clear, mahogany, no lacing or retention. The beer is quite syrupy too. The nose has the slight chicory aroma of a red, coupled with phenols, some ABV whiffs, with some liquor soaked florals. There are some roasted, almost charred notes in the taste, lots of crystal malts, some English ale yeastiness. There are also some caramel in the taste too. As the beer settles a bit, there are definite boozy fruit flavors coming through. This is a nice beer, tasty, a bit strong, a little bit of ABV makes its way into the finish, but overall quite respectable. There is a touch of hop in the finish just to keep things a bit more balanced. If you're in the mood for a relatively flat, slightly syrupy, crystal malty ale, this is a good stop.

Serving type: bottle

11-22-2009 00:48:26 | More by albern

sophisticated

Michigan

3.88/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had this on tap at the Plymouth Plantation on Thanksgiving -- perfect timing.

It was a dark brown ale with reddish highlights. A small foamy light brown head. Smelled and tasted very malty. Sweet with caramel. Also dark fruits, maybe plums.

Medium to heavy, well carbonated, and tasty. A great pre-dinner drink. The 8% ABV noticeable in feel but not in taste.

Great local treat, worth a try.

Serving type: on-tap

11-27-2009 17:36:14 | More by sophisticated

Cedromar

Massachusetts

3.9/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had on-tap at The Moan and Dove.

This one was a delicious sipper that I greatly enjoyed drinking. A gorgeous ruddy-ruby in color, with a one finger head that stayed the whole way through. Smells strong of oak and assorted dark fruits. The first sip is a glorious bite into the oak barrel. Good mouthfeel, I would drink it again. If it happens to be at the Dove still on Friday I'll have another glass or two.

Hopefully, I can snag a growler for Thanksgiving dinner with the family.

Serving type: on-tap

11-12-2008 00:25:23 | More by Cedromar

DrJay

Massachusetts

3.9/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Clear tawny amber with a hint of haze. Dark beige foam, mostly a collar of soapy bubbles with a thin skim of fine bubbles coating the beer's surface. Some sticky, spotty lacing too. The Belgian yeast character is quite up-front in the aroma, bready and spicy, slight banana and clove, but the caramel sweetness really cuts through and provides some balance. Light herbal and grassy notes, perhaps some nutmeg. Same in the flavour, but with some raisin/dried fruits and sturdy bitterness providing a base for the malt and yeast. Banana was more prominent, as was caramelized sugar. Alcohol warmth was apparent in the finish, but not strong or hot. Nice texture, medium plus body with fine carbonation. I enjoyed this beer. The flavour profile was interesting and nicely balanced.

Serving type: bottle

11-28-2010 02:27:52 | More by DrJay

GarthDanielson

New Hampshire

3.9/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a bomber into a tumbler pint, the beer is a vibrant, rich, ruby-copper coloring with only the slightest filmy covering of a head. Aromas are earthy and richly sweet, with brown sugar and vanilla characteristics on a toffee backbone. Smells rich. The beer's flavors are strong and rich, and they are conveyed on a full-bodied, creamy mouthfeel. Roasted and toasted, the flavors of caramel, butter, nut, and vanilla shine through, all very well blended and balanced, with a grainy flavor lacing throughout. Interesting, and surprisingly drinkable with all the strong qualities. There is a hops presence that reveals more into the aftertaste, with the roasted qualities combining to leave a slight drying effect, giving the beer a short-lived, somewhat clean finish. Very tasty brew, and would likely go well with just about any kind of rich, meaty foods...like, say, turkey.

Serving type: bottle

12-03-2011 03:43:20 | More by GarthDanielson

jondeelee

Massachusetts

3.9/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Mayflower's Thanksgiving Ale opens with an earthy, malty nose, smelling of toasted wheat and rye bread crusts, peat, vanilla, and spent grain husks. The brew also carries a somewhat cola-like, or even Dr. Pepper aroma, as if lightly touched with kola nut. Some light fruit esters--white grape, apricot--bring in sugars, and the hops are hardly noticeable, except as a faint background citrus tone. As a whole, the nose is very light, and the aromas difficult to distinguish one from the other, but dark in overall tone.

On the tongue, the beer carries far more flavor than the nose implied, opening with a quick shot of brown sugar, which is quickly joined by wheat and rye bread crusts, vanilla, hints of fig juice, and a continuation of the Dr. Pepper/kola nut notes, though here those take on a toasted quality. Dark fruit esters--fig, yes, but also black cherry and prune--bring delicious flavors and sugars. A strong loam-like, bitter, earthy quality penetrates the profile, likely from the oak aging, and I couldn't escape the faint impression of sawdust. At the very end, an ashy tobacco thread emerges. The beer is very warming as it's swallowed, evidencing a higher ABV, but that ABV is largely hidden in the brew, and does not get in the way of the other flavors. The aftertaste is a continuation of the more bitter notes from the main mouthful, with remnants of fading sugars, and lingers for some time. Mouthfeel is medium, and carbonation is medium to medium-high.

Overall, while there was much in this beer I did like, especially the range of flavors, I found the bitter Dr. Pepper/kola nut/wood notes slightly too strong, at times reminding me of biting into dandelion stems. A slightly sweeter touch would have better served the beer, showing off the great sugary esters that lie beneath.

Serving type: bottle

12-06-2011 20:21:26 | More by jondeelee

mdfb79

New York

3.9/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

From 01/28/12 notes. Thanks to jslot38 for sharing this one. 22 oz. bottle into a tulip.

a - Pours a deep amber color with one finger of off white head and moderate carbonation evident.

s - Smells of toasted malts, oak, sweet fruity malts, sugar, light spice, and light caramel malts. Pretty nice, a bit fruity.

t - Tastes of toasted malts, nuts, oak, sweet fruity malts, vanilla, caramel malts, sugar, and toffee. A slight step up from the nose.

m - Medium body and moderate carbonation.
Pretty smooth body.

o - Overall a pretty nice beer; kind of reminded me or a marzen. Fruity and toasted malts with some oak, and pretty easy to drink. Would have it again.

Serving type: bottle

02-01-2012 02:10:49 | More by mdfb79

Chico1985

Massachusetts

3.93/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On-tap at Sierra Grille last week, reviewed from notes.

Pours reddish brown, served with just an off-white ring on top, leaves some lacing.

Smell/taste - Chocolate, plums, toasty malts, nuts, caramel, some oak. Not very intense, pretty easy drinking, nice flavors. Reminds me mostly of a winter warmer overall.

Kind of a weird mouthfeel, just feels off somehow. A little bit of booze.

A good, interesting plethora of flavors. Definitely works as a holiday beer.

Serving type: on-tap

12-08-2010 13:15:38 | More by Chico1985

Gambrinus1184

Connecticut

3.93/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured from a 22-ounce bottle into a Thomas Hooker pint glass.

A: Deep, burnished amber with a two-finger head of tan foam which left a little weak lacing.

S: Fruity and tart with a hint of acidity, tobacco leaf and boozy oak.

T: Sweet and acidic malts release a dearth of fruity esters onto the palate. Flavors range from fermented plum to tangerine and chocolate. An underlying, boozy and mellow oak flavor permeates the palate and washes down with a liquor-laced, semi-tart and sweet finish.

M: Full-bodied, a bit hot due to higher ABV and acidic malts.

O: This 8% ABV American strong "old ale" is a very interesting blend of an oak-aged, acidic English-style ale. Like mixing an English barleywine with an oak-aged American strong ale and funky yeasts. If this is what the puritans were drinking, maybe settling the states wouldn't have been so bad.

Serving type: bottle

11-26-2011 00:55:33 | More by Gambrinus1184

MoreThanWine

Massachusetts

3.95/5  rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

I believe this is my 100th beer review so it's fitting we're talking about something pretty good and local. I've never had a bad beer from Mayflower, and considering their low pricing they're really good deals.

This sample poured a 1" head which dissipated to 1/4". Clear burnt umber in color with very active effervescence in tiny bubbles. Pleasant mild and sweet wih malt and rye. Lot's of mouth presence and a long finish.

Although not my favorite of theirs this Thanksgiving Ale is exactly what you need with your Turkey - it's mild enough to taste everything else but looks and feels like a treat.

Serving type: bottle

11-17-2010 22:04:06 | More by MoreThanWine

OtherShoe2

Massachusetts

3.95/5  rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours dark orange with an off-white bubbly head that turns to a skim/ring around the glass. No lace.

Toasted grain in the nose, some boiled grain maltiness. Some fruit sweetness, and even a hint of smoke.

Toasty is the word here. What I like is that this element does not go overboard. I'm getting a little bit of apple skin, a touch of fruit, but it immediately vanishes for bitter. A little spice, a little wood, some wet paper, and in the very end you get a touch of alcohol, but just as a palate-cleaner.

Medium to medium full. Ok carbonation. I want this to be a bit richer and thicker.

This is a grown-up beer. Bitter from toasty edges, and not to be consumed in gulps, a sipper for the flavor and not the booze (wow, a real change). I'm glad this is in a bomber. I'm going to grab couple to hold for the holidays. One to share with those who appreciate all styles. Marketed as Old Ale, and I can see it as such.

Serving type: bottle

11-06-2011 22:17:08 | More by OtherShoe2

puboflyons

New Hampshire

3.98/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

It pours a dark amber with good clarity and bubbly carbonation. It almost looks like a soda. The aroma is subtle and mellow with a fine mix of barley and rye malts, sweet sugar, and a downplayed hoppy character. The body is medium. It has a nice taste that doesn't make you think too hard, which you don't want to do on Thanksgiving. It is bitter but mildly hopped. Overall I found it to be nice and drinkable. I wish I had another one available.

Serving type: bottle

11-24-2011 01:56:01 | More by puboflyons

elNopalero

Texas

3.98/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Picked this up on a recent trip to Boston. Drank it the Tuesday before thanksgiving/thingstaken as the beer warmed I contemplated history, colonization, and the nature of the holiday itself.

This pours the color of burnt sienna, a ruddy amber, with a solid layer of foam that holds up as it warms. It has a pleasing malt profile that reminds me of an English mild. It has a malty, mild flavor with a lingering mouthfeel. Some sweetness? Not chocolate-flavored but there’s an interesting, intriguing flavor that reminds me of hot cocoa in its sweetness and finish. Fennel? Fenugreek? Maple? Can’t quite place it but I like it. This is a good beer, one I’m enjoying enough to wish I had saved it long enough to share.

Serving type: bottle

12-06-2011 18:53:30 | More by elNopalero

Gosox8787

New Hampshire

3.98/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Presentation: Bomber bottle bought for $6 at a local store. 2012 vintage I'm pretty sure. Served chilled and poured into my Cigar City tulip glass. Allowed to warm up over half an hour or so.

Appearance: Amber to medium brown in color. Nice and clear throughout. Not much in terms of a head upon first pour and recedes pretty quickly into nothing.

Aroma: Toasted bread and caramel notes really stand out. The alcohol is really well hidden.

Taste: Toasted malt and caramel malt notes really create a nice base flavor. Some bitter coffee notes and a slight bittering hop character. Really nicely balanced and tasty.

Mouthfeel: Pretty full bodied and creamy throughout. The carbonation level is pretty low.

Overall, a really nice english style old ale. The balance and toasted character of the malt really seperate this from other beers. Works perfectly for the season too and priced nicely.

Serving type: bottle

11-11-2012 19:34:27 | More by Gosox8787

VelvetExtract

Massachusetts

3.98/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A-Very dark amber. Head is smaller. It laces with long drapes.

S-Aged on oak huh? Yeah, my first big sniff offered some very raw wooden aromas. This also smells right around 8%. Definitely noticing that rye piquancy. I also get a soapiness from the hops. Darker fruits and buzzing yeast.

T-Maple syrup with spiced Autumn garnish. Oak subtly sets in as the beer sits and warms. Yeast is forceful. Over-steeped tea. Very malty, very complex. Bitterness sneaks up on you, but there aren't fleshed-out hop flavors. That's okay, because this is all about the malt.

M-Fuller bodied with soft bubbles.Actually, it goes down good. Booze creeps around my senses.

O/D-God, I can just picture this next to a cut of dark meat and some voluptuous stuffing. I have avoided this for about four years. After trying this, I really regret the wait. I like how this is one of the only beers I have ever come across that has been aged on oak and such a proclamation hasnt been stamped onto the front of the label. Overall, I will definitely purchase one of these every year.

Serving type: bottle

11-14-2012 01:34:28 | More by VelvetExtract

Wasatch

Utah

4/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Thanks goes out to ybnorml for this brew.

Pours a nice clean/clear golden brown color, nice carbonation, nice little fizzy light tan head, with some sticky lacing left behind. The nose is malty, slight hop note, with some spice notes. The taste is sweet, malty, some hops, bitter, slight smoke note. Medium body. Drinkable, a very tasty brew, glad to have gotten a chance to try it. I've not been dissappointed from this brewery yet.

Serving type: bottle

12-23-2009 02:11:34 | More by Wasatch