Year of New Beer: Blacker the Berry, Maiden City Brewing Co (Cynthiana, KY)

Written By: Dion on 12/19/2017

I've spent a lot of time in Cynthiana over the last 27 years, having married a native. During that time, I've seen a lot of small businesses close their doors, as is the case with most any rural Kentucky town. But this weekend, Maiden City Brewing bucks that trend, celebrating one year of bringing craft beer to Harrison County. And there's maybe no better way to celebrate your first year than by releasing your first bottles. This aptly named brew hits the glass with an abundance of blackberries on the nose, straddling the line between tart and sweet. Warmth allows hints of chocolate and coffee bean to add complexity to the aroma. On the tongue, the tartness of the berries strikes first, receding ever so slightly as a mildly bitter chocolate and roasted malt build on the middle palate. A nice honey sweetness serves to temper the acidity of the berries on the finish, while rendering the over 9% alcohol virtually imperceptible. On the lighter side body-wise for a Russian Imperial Stout, this is extremely easy-drinking and enjoyable. Surely someone on your Christmas list would appreciate this! Bottles go on sale at noon this Friday, Lunch Line brings the grub at 5, and Kenny Owens provides the taproom entertainment.