Product Review: Maine Beer Co. – Mean Old Tom

It’s always nice to try smaller batch beers from what many have termed “nano-breweries.” Maine Beer Company’s production is limited by the actual equipment they posses. If that wasn’t the case, there would much more beer like Mean Old Tom, a stout aged on Natural Vanilla beans. This beer pours more of a dark chestnut-brown, rather than the jet-black color more typical of the style. A thin tan head signifies more of a creamy texture in body profile. Some vanilla emerges if you dig deep, but its a more natural vanilla aroma – not the ice-cream parlor flavor that is more commonly recognized. A good deal of roast and sweet chocolate comes through and a slight caramel aroma is present.

It’s always nice to try smaller batch beers from what many have termed “nano-breweries.” Maine Beer Company’s production is limited by the actual equipment they posses. If that wasn’t the case, there would much more beer like Mean Old Tom, a stout aged on Natural Vanilla beans. This beer pours more of a dark chestnut-brown, rather than the jet-black color more typical of the style. A thin tan head signifies more of a creamy texture in body profile. Some vanilla emerges if you dig deep, but its a more natural vanilla aroma – not the ice-cream parlor flavor that is more commonly recognized. A good deal of roast and sweet chocolate comes through and a slight caramel aroma is present.