Mayflower Spring Hop - Mayflower Brewing Company

scottfrie

California

3.95/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

12oz bottle poured into Portsmouth snifter. 4/7/11 printed on bottle. Huge thanks to SneezyAchew for both the beer and the glass!

A: Pours a glowing dark ruby red with a huge, oily, light-tan head that slowly faded into a fuzzy film that left sticky patches of lacing down the glass.
S: Very hoppy on the nose with notes of citrus and flowers. There is balancing scent of sweet malt, but for the most part this smells like an ipa.
T: The malt hits the mouth first with flavors of dark breadcrust similar to rye. The hops come in second and round out the brew with an ambiguous flavor of citrus rind and flowers. The finish is sweet and peppery with flavors of earthy spices, and the aftertaste is lightly bitter and drying.
M: Medium body with frothy carbonation that for the most part is soft, but there is a sharpness to the mouthfeel at times. This beer is slick but not too oily, and finishes fairly dry.
O: A very hoppy amber ale great for those of us who like everything to be hopped up. Thanks for sending me more than one of these Michael, I'm enjoying them.

Serving type: bottle

05-21-2011 20:02:12 | More by scottfrie

OldIronLungs

Massachusetts

3.98/5  rDev -2.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Maple syrup color into a pint glass with a nice finger or two of big bubble head with sticky lacing.

I can smell this guy without bringing it to my nose, when I do, there's big bright floral/light pine hops and a little grass, very nice indeed. Definitely spring.

Prickly carbonation upfront and then sweet malts followed immediately by medium bodied crisp hoppy bitterness that lingers in a very pleasant manner from the earlier malt balance.

I'm not really clear why they tout it as brewed for aroma...I prefer to drink my beer rather than snort it (yes, I know most of taste is smell), but this is a great departure from the pale spring ales I typically see and a good outdoor drinker.

Serving type: bottle

04-04-2011 21:45:13 | More by OldIronLungs

SouljaSaia17

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Have had a couple of beers from this company before, but this is the first official review.

A: Beer pours a deep, dark amber color with not much of a head on it, thins out pretty fast but leaves some bubbles on the top.

S: Initial aroma is of grassy, floral notes and hops. Not too much else but the hops definitely dominate the smell.

T: Not much bite, do get more of a pine flavor as opposed to citrus or grapefruit. Hop flavor is sweet and satisfying and finishes with a dry yeast.

M: Very light and drinkable, not over powering in any aspect. Carbonation definitely brings out the hop flavor.

O: Very delicious, but also very tame hop type beer. Have had their IPA and that was pretty strong, dont think thats what they were going for here. Kind of reminds me of what Samuel Adams did with their Alpine Spring.

Serving type: bottle

02-28-2013 04:19:38 | More by SouljaSaia17

LittleDon

Texas

4.03/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A pint at the Publick House in Brookline.

Deep amber color supports a lofty off white head. Lots of lace ensues. Aroma shows a good balance between piney hops and caramel malt. Taste reflects the aroma, with slightly more malt (than the aroma) and a bitter finish with hints of licorice. Some carbonation at the start and a medium body.

Serving type: on-tap

03-25-2011 12:29:46 | More by LittleDon

twelvsies

Maine

4.03/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I miss Mayflower - but I was pleased to see that the missus brought back a 6er of this from Boston the other day. Pours a beautiful amber color, very clear, with a frothy dense head and great lacing down the glass. Nose is very hop forward - fresh and floral with a touch of mint or herbs and some tropical fruit, apricot maybe. Hops still plenty active on the palate, but this beer is more about balance. A nice biscuity malt backdrop and a subtle, earthy nuttyness play off the hops well. Not particularly bitter, just robust, bready, and hoppy. Crisp and smooth on the palate, and refreshing for as dark as it is. A good candidate for outdoor drinking this season by the grill. This is a nice take on a "fresh hop" seasonal - usually they are lighter but this is a good malty amber with the hop profile to match.

Serving type: bottle

04-16-2011 00:06:09 | More by twelvsies

northyorksammy

Ontario (Canada)

4.03/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A great tasting and balanced hoppy beer. Bitterness up front with strong tasty malt backbone. Full mouthfeel. Extremely drinkable. Earthy;grassy; herbal;citrus lemon and orange; lightly toasty; fresh and refreshing. Great for the style. Floral, hop aromas.Thanks Dr.Jay.

Serving type: bottle

05-15-2011 04:24:13 | More by northyorksammy

mjyoung

California

4.03/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

12 oz bottle. Drank on 5/22/11. Many thanks to scottfrie for sharing.

A: Pours a DEEP red with a medium head (~one finger). I can't figure out why, but the color is entrancing.

S: Hoppier than I was expecting, but not overwhelmingly so. Definitely a hint of malt, but not as robust as I thought it would be. Very simple, without much depth.

T: Here is where the beer starts to distinguish itself. Hops and malt are nicely balanced, with the slightly citrus flavor countered well by the lightly spiced malt. Definitely not the taste that's suggested by the nose.

M: Not as heavy as I'd like, almost to the detriment of the balanced nature of the flavor. I like the finish as it's nice and dry, not cloying in the least.

O: A very solid amber, but not quite the fantastic brew I was hoping for. I would definitely drink again, and would even pay for it, but it just missed blowing me away.

Serving type: bottle

05-23-2011 01:30:28 | More by mjyoung

silentjay

Massachusetts

4.03/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

a purplish/amber beer produces a sizable soft off-white head that sticks around for a while and laces very nicely.

some caramel malts give way to herbal/floral/woody, citrus and grassy hops.

starts with some crackery malts with a ton of caramel and then a rush of hops come in providing some spicey, herbal, floral, citric and pine flavors. a bit toasty, but hoppy and balanced.

medium bodied a bit resiny and a bit sticky with subtle but present carbonation.

another quality, though not quite mind-blowing, Mayflower beer. They are always worth the money, and this is another example of that.

Serving type: bottle

03-17-2012 04:45:58 | More by silentjay

merc7186

New York

4.03/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I had this beer poured from a 12oz bottle into a pint glass.

A: Amber Hue, Passes Some Light, Off White Head, Great Lacing

S: Black Pepper, Piney, Nutty, Malty

T: Black Pepper, Piney, Nutty, Malty, Mild Caramel

M: Great Carbonation, Medium Bodied, Spicy, Bitter, Semi Drying

Overall, a really good take on a hoppy amber ale with a nice spicy, malty backbone finish. These guys may have something going for them.

Serving type: bottle

03-26-2012 01:58:11 | More by merc7186

ThePorterSorter

New York

4.03/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

thanks merc for this sweet free gift

The beer pours a deep crimson, almost dried blood red with a thick, foamy off-white head. There's some nice looking lacing and no sediment. The smell is big hops (not specifically citrus or pine), sweet malt, and a touch of alcohol. Although the head falls quickly in my wide-mouth DFH goblet, it's easily regenerated with a swirl. Nothing seems to be out of balance in this beers nose and taste, therefore it will pair nicely with dinner. It's got a nice malt base that helps stifle the intense hops, but the aftertaste is all AA bitterness. The beer's body is a light-medium and has a creaminess associated with the intense carbonation. There is no excessive, unwarranted bitterness in the aftertaste, just a residual grafefruitiness.
Overall this beer tastes fresh, hoppy and is easy to drink. It reminds me a lot of sixpoint's resin due to it's rich maltiness and intensely resiny hops. It's definitely something I'd try again and I would especially like to enjoy a full pint at some point.

Serving type: bottle

03-27-2012 22:49:31 | More by ThePorterSorter

Fluke828

Massachusetts

4.05/5  rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

12 oz bottle poured into a Murphy's Imperial Pint Glass (tulip-esque, not sure what else to call this)
Bottle dated: "PKG 4/07/11"

A-> Pours a beautiful reddish/copper/amber hue with a beefy 2 fingers worth of creamy white head. As it recedes, it leaves a nice coat of sticky lacing behind. Some widespread yet sparse nucleation in the glass.

S-> Smells fruity and hoppy right off the bat. Getting that "amber-ish" aroma after a bit as well. Further sniffing reveals a citrus and pine hop aroma that is probably the most prevalent in the nose. Some nice floral scents emerge as well.

T-> First few gulps hit with a mild bitterness that coats the tongue with an almost spicy taste and leaves a faint hint of cinnamon lingering on the immediate aftertaste. Almost get a creamy mint flavor on the next few sips initially which fades into an earthy and woody flavor that is both mild and refreshing. (Invokes thoughts of Winter transitioning to Spring for the beer connoisseur as in the transition from bold stouts and porters, to lighter spring ambers and the like.) Still get a bit of faint cinnamon mint on the aftertaste as this beer warms, but it not a detraction, just an observation. Getting more of the herbal and floral notes as this warms as well. Citrus too. Delicious and mild.

M-> Carbonation is so wonderfully perfect. Right amount of bubbly bite with a mild and creamy smoothness at the same time. Leaves a pleasant coating on the tongue and top of the throat that just begs for another sip. Crisp, light, and refreshing.

O-> Really love this brew. Not usually a big amber fan per se, but this is one that I really enjoyed. After having it several times it was time for a thorough review. The bitterness did get too be a bit much for the style towards the end, however that is hardly a fault in an otherwise stellar concoction.

Serving type: bottle

04-20-2011 23:47:44 | More by Fluke828

Gushue3

Massachusetts

4.08/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A- Pours orangy red and sits in my glass a cloudy deep amber red. Great 2 finger foamy head with great retention that goes nowhere. turns frothy and will not go away

S- Sweet floral hops

T- nice hop taste that insnt overpowering. nicely balanced between sweet and bitter

M- nice full characater with medium body. light carbonation that feels almost flat

O- really nice, refreshing beer that i wish would become a year round offering.

Serving type: bottle

04-10-2011 00:48:00 | More by Gushue3

DrJay

Massachusetts

4.1/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This one poured a deep amber colour with a coppery hue when held up to the light. Mostly clear with a lasting beige cap, some clumpy lacing. As the name suggests, hops are prominent in the aroma and flavour. It smells of freshly crushed hop pellets, grassy, grapefruit pith, floral, kind of minty. The taste is hoppy, with bitterness sturdy yet refined, balanced against mild sweetness and biscuity, bready malts. Grassy and a little herbal, citrus was less prominent. Lingering hops and bitterness, some hop spice towards the finish. Lowish carbonation, medium bodied, texture was a bit creamy and it was on the dry side. Overall, it was pretty tasty. It really captured a fresh, in-your-face-without-being-harsh hop character.

Serving type: bottle

03-19-2011 02:41:46 | More by DrJay

beer4colin

Massachusetts

4.1/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - nice dark copper/red. Usual UBH head but lace clings nicely. A lot of red beers on the bar this afternoon. This looks the same as SA Brick.

S - is very nice. This ranks up there with Flower Power for big noses. Smells like a pine forest after a spring rain.

T - Surprisingly thin at first. Takes a few seconds for the hops to kick in on the sides of the tongue. Slightly bitter aftertaste but expected with IBU level. Haven't checked yet but I expect this is dry hopped to account for the finish.

MF - As I said, a bit watery up front but it fills up the mouth and taste lingers.

D - still not doing overall, sorry. I think drinkability is better metric. This is good but not until Boston breaks out of the cold. This would be good with BBQ chicken with spicy butter/lemon sauce PR Lobster & drawn butter.

Serving type: on-tap

03-25-2011 21:19:22 | More by beer4colin

number1bum

Pennsylvania

4.1/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a clear copper color with two fingers of beige head. Keeps only a thin lace, fullest around the rim, with some good rings of stick as it falls.

Smell is very bright, floral and fresh. Big grapefruit and citrus aromas, very fresh and juicy. There is a bready malt base with some caramel sweetness here too, but the hops really shine brigthly.

Taste is not nearly as hoppy as the nose, but makes up for it with a nice bready and sweet caramel malt base. I don't know if there is any rye in this but it has a rye bread sort of quality to it. I do wish the hops were a little juicier and more citrusy like they were on the nose, but those flavors are much more subtle. Modest bitterness in the finish.

Mouthfeel is medium bodied and quite smooth. Pretty creamy with average carbonation.

This beer smells amazing and tastes quite good as well. The label states that the intent here was to profile aroma hops, so it's not surprising that it's not as hoppy as the nose was. That would have made it a really incredible beer, although the flavor is still quite good. A nice spring seasonal from Mayflower.

Serving type: bottle

04-08-2011 01:22:23 | More by number1bum

CheezyBlaster

Massachusetts

4.1/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Having been unimpressed with some of Mayflower's other beers, I was taken aback by this fresh springtime treat. Great little body and light, refreshing texture and finish. Beautiful blend of grassy and floral aromas and flavors. Soft-spoken medium roasted/amber malt makes way for the hops to herald the season. I'll be drinking this for a few weeks. :)

Serving type: bottle

05-02-2012 15:11:35 | More by CheezyBlaster

steve8robin

Massachusetts

4.13/5  rDev +1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had a sample of this brew at a local beer store and loved it! Had to grab a bottle. 12oz bottle, packaged on 02/24/11...

A: A gorgeous clear ruby red and slight copper color with a 1 inch off white head that fades quickly to a bubbly lace. Very good.

S: Smells of a nice sweet hop immediately upfront followed by some nice earthy citrus and some nice faint malts on the backend. This smells great. Very good.

T: A nice dry bitter hop which is quickly followed by earthy grain and breadiness. Some grassy bitterness in the middle and a slight almost cranberry flavor buried on the back. Good.

M: Medium body with a good carbonation. A very dry finish. Good.

O: All in all, this is a great beer. A nice bitter clean hop is the staple of this beer. It is nicely balanced by some tame grains and malts. Definitely try this if you like hoppy ambers! Great beer. May be the best I've tried from Mayflower yet!

Serving type: bottle

04-22-2011 01:44:41 | More by steve8robin

A_Casual_Fan

Massachusetts

4.13/5  rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

First Review on BA.

Serving Type -- Two 12oz bottles, in a big "20 oz" beer mug that actually fits 23.90 oz. Not quite a maskrug, but a worthy vessel in any case. (for $1 @ Dollar Store, by the way. Check the endcaps.)

Appearance -- Color is surprising for such a hoppy ale, would expect far more malty tones based on presence of red. Before pouring, I had assumed it was closer to the IPA-ish end of the spectrum, based on what I had heard about hoppiness levels. Once poured, no longer sure what to expect. Color is dark, a brown-with-heavy-red overtones, but is misleading relative to taste.

Smell - Despite owning a "power nose", tough to discern anything unique. Similar to an IPA, as best i can make out.

Taste - First, immediate, taste on a clean palate is truly redolent, in a big way, of copper or other metal (Amstel Light or Strohs, almost "rusty"), but almost ****<b><u>immediately</b></u>**** (within seconds) is superseded by the big big big big big big big big "Big Pine Tree" hops tones. Afterwards, some malty aftertastes, mixed with bitter hops.

Mouth Feel -- I am not sophisticated enough to put a fine point on things related to mouth feel, but my impression is that this is lighter/smoother than a stout or porter or even a heavy nut brown. Feels about as heavy as a IPA or lager. Liquid, not creamy in any way. Crisp.

Overall -- Wow. Talk about crazy good hop combo. Pine trees. Big pine trees. Very unique, intense combination of flavors. Color adds to overall surprise/wow factor. Me likey.

Tranquilo.

Serving type: bottle

04-01-2012 00:13:32 | More by A_Casual_Fan

Dope

Massachusetts

4.13/5  rDev +1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A: A very nice clear ruby red pour. Huge dense tan head adorns it. Head retention is top notch, it never fully fades, leaving a nice permanent foamy island. Lacing leaves spiderwebs all over the glass.

S: Nice citrus hop character up front with a bit of pine. Very nice bready and sweet malt backs it up. Touch of resin once in a while.

T: Citrusy with orange and grapefruit. Big sweet bready malt comes in after that to balance it up. Bitter pine and resin follows and lingers into the aftertaste.

M: Medium bodied, a bit bitter and drying in the aftertaste.

O: Great amber ale. Nice strong malt with enough hops to match. Varied and balanced flavor. I daresay that this is basically Nugget Nectar Jr. Not as good in any one area of course but stands on its own nicely. Drinkable and tasty.

Serving type: bottle

04-09-2012 03:59:06 | More by Dope

Reagan1984

Massachusetts

4.15/5  rDev +1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Found this at the store today and was surprised to find that this would be it's first review. I looked it up on the Mayflower site and it's not even listed yet. Bottle is date stamped and I believe it says this was bottled on 3/4/11 (the month is a little smeared)

First note is that it's darker in color than I would have guessed. Totally clear and straight amber in color with no visible carbonation. Two fingers of fluffy head form and show great structure. It's collapses fairly quickly but leave clumps behind. Nice lacing.

Aroma is grassy, fresh and of grapefruit peel. Very floral and almost perfume like. Green and fresh in nature.

Nicely done. Pretty wonderful balance here. Hop focused but with a perfect malt backbone. Bitter, citrus hops front and back with a perfect bready malt flavor in the middle. Like crusty bread. Some light fruit as well. Finishes smooth with just a tingle of bitterness.

Very smooth mouth feel and subtle carbonation.

Very easy drinking and a great brew to greet spring.

Well done Mayflower.

Serving type: bottle

03-12-2011 22:39:11 | More by Reagan1984

PEBKAC

New York

4.18/5  rDev +2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Another throw in from the beer bandit. Bottled on 2/23/11.

Unexpected, clear dark orange/amber brew into my Ommegang Anniversary glass. A mountain of lumpy cream-colored head. Blotchy lace.

Smell is very green, like alfalfa pellets. Twiggy & just barely scented with sweet florals & graham crackers.

Gentle pine resin, florals & earth all playing around in the taste. Dark bread crust, salt, & just a twinge of actual bitterness that lingers just a moment. A little juicy. Faint citrus. Some dank. Quite gentle.

Body is a tad chalky. Carbonation is just okay. Alcohol is fine by me. Not at all thick.

A dry-hopping clinic going on here. This stuff is tasty. :D

Serving type: bottle

03-17-2011 04:06:00 | More by PEBKAC

Brez07

Maine

4.2/5  rDev +2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

12oz bottle poured into a Baxter Brewing can glass. Bottled on 3/22/11

A: Dark orange/cherry mixed color. 1 finger off white head that is retained well. Some thick lacing towards the end of the glass

S: Nose is a burst of hop notes. Citrusy, grassy. Clean and crisp. Touch of sweetness

T: Crisp, lemongrass flavor. Piney hops with accompanying bitterness, which is very light. Finishes with some yeast and bread. Some caramel malt too.

M: Medium bodied. Full of flavor despite being lower on the ABV scale. Light bitterness left on the palate

D: This beer is delicious and very, very easy drinking. I went through 5 of the sixpack in one night and forced myself to save 1 to review. Will be picking more of this up next time I see it

Serving type: bottle

04-14-2011 00:19:34 | More by Brez07

jneiswender

Massachusetts

4.2/5  rDev +2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Had this beer at the brewery as part of the tour. Served in a sample glass from a new bottle. NIce clear amber body and an off white head. Well ramped up smells. Smell of nice citrus fruit and pine. Great resin, fruit flavor. Bitter but not a bomb. Good malt balance. Nice cereal flavor. Medium mouth feel. Great beer and I would have this again.

Serving type: bottle

03-03-2012 02:44:30 | More by jneiswender

gcamparone

Rhode Island

4.2/5  rDev +2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a snifter. Purchased in Wakefield, RI.

A- Pours a clear copper body with a 1 finger white head that reduces quickly. Leaves little lacing.

S- Literally smells like spring. Fresh citrus zest, floral notes, earthy, pine, caramel, toffee.

T- Very floral, with pine and citrus hop notes sitting on a solid sweet caramel malt backbone. Slight bitter aftertaste.

M- Medium-light body, crisp and refreshing.

A solid spring offering. I could easily put down a sixer of this. Easy drinker with a nice fresh taste.

Serving type: bottle

03-28-2013 22:33:41 | More by gcamparone

Gatch

Massachusetts

4.21/5  rDev +2.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Beautiful copper red color with a tan head. Good lace. Sweet malt and fruity hops in both the nose and taste. Sugary, sweet liquid. Great balance of malt and hop and definitely not as hop forward as I expected but its awesome for the style. Smooth and easy drinking. I had high expectations for this beer and they were met. Delicious brew. Still good in May when I think it was released in March.

Serving type: bottle

05-13-2013 00:26:46 | More by Gatch