Samuel Adams Merry Maker Gingerbread Stout

From Samuel Adams – This rich dark gingerbread stout entices with the aromas of the holidays. The flavor of gingerbread comes alive, beginning with the smooth sweetness and heartiness of dark roasted malts and a touch of wheat. But it’s the intensity and spices of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, & ginger that add a wicked kick for a jolly playful brew full of merry mischief.

Samuel Adams Merry Maker Gingerbread Stout – 22 oz. bottle poured into a goblet. 9% abv.

Appearance:  Pours a very dark brown with a tan head that subsides to nothing.

Aroma:  Sweet chewy gingerbread, molasses, mild roast.

Taste:  Gingerbread/ginger snap cookie, dark roast, mild Euro hops. Alcohol level is well hidden.

Mouthfeel: Full bodied, but not thick by any means. Very active carbonation, making it seem spicy.

Overall: A very festive, tasty beer. The spices are spot on without being overpowering or overbearing. My only critique would be it needs more of a “stout body” to it. I say that because when I think of gingerbread, I think of thick and chewy. Drank closer to what I’d consider a porter.