Clown Shoes Snow on the Maple Tree

Snow on the Maple Tree is an imperial stout from Clown Shoes, brewed in Massachusetts and listed at 10.0% ABV. The name and the maple syrup in the recipe point to a dessert-leaning stout. Expect roasted malt and dark chocolate up front, with maple sweetness running underneath. The body should be full and velvety, and the strength shows up as warmth on the finish. At this ABV, imperial stouts like this usually carry enough residual sweetness to balance the roast. Maple adds a rounded, syrupy note, but it ferments out mostly dry, so it comes across more as aroma and a light caramel-like impression than as sugary sweetness. No IBU figure is given. Stouts at this strength typically use bitterness mainly to offset the malt, and the roasted grain adds its own dry edge. Serve it cooler than room temperature but not fridge-cold, around 50 to 55°F (10 to 13°C). Straight from a cold fridge, the chocolate and maple notes stay muted and the body feels tighter. Let the bottle or can sit out for 15 to 20 minutes after chilling. A snifter or tulip glass suits it best. The narrowed top holds the roasted and maple aromatics, and a pour of 6 to 8 ounces is enough, because the strength makes it a beer to sip slowly over a long sitting. A stemmed tulip or a small stout glass will also work. A standard pint glass spreads the aroma too thin. For food, think of the same flavors that show up in the glass. Vanilla ice cream with a spoonful of this stout poured over it is a classic use for maple-leaning stouts. Flourless chocolate cake, pecan pie, bread pudding, and sharp aged cheddar or blue cheese all fit, since the sweetness and roast can stand up to rich, salty or sugary food. For savory dishes, try smoked brisket, bacon-wrapped dates, or a pork roast with a maple glaze. Strong imperial stouts generally keep well in a cool, dark spot, but check the bottling date on the label and drink it by the producer's guidance instead of assuming it will improve with age.