Merry Maker

Samuel Adams

Boston

Style: Stout

ABV: 9%

This beer pours extremely dark, with a beautiful brown head. It smells of anise, black licorice and gingerbread cookies. It is easy to pick up the cinnamon on the nose. Upon first taste I noticed a creamy mouthfeel, with a roasted aftertaste. There is a slight burn from the high ABV, but not what you would expect from a 9% ABV beer. This beer reminds me of being home for the holidays, and would pair well with a pie or Christmas cookies. I could even picture having it for breakfast with a heaping portion of pancakes, with real maple syrup.

—Kelly Parisi