Getting to know MO
Maine Beer Company MO (Madeline & Oliver) Pale Ale
4.05/5
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
I picked up this bottle today from Downeast Beverage in Portland. It wasn’t even on the shelf yet, I had to pull it out of the delivery box. It was bottled on 2.23.12, or possibly 2.28.12, it’s hard to tell, but it seems unlikely that it left the brewery a mere 24 hours ago. The bottle was at room temperature, so I chilled it in the fridge for about 15 minutes before pouring into my MBC glass.
The beer looks ot be strongly carbonated with a very large white foam head that fills the top third of my glass. The body is a clear tarnished gold liquid with plenty of tiny bubbles rising within. Widespread patchy lacing is left behind as the head recedes.
There is a very nice hop aroma on this beer. Big earthy, pin hops smells dominate. I can tell this is one fresh beer.
MO has a pretty decent pale ale flavor. Pine flavored hops are the strongest taste; it gives me the impression of twigs and pine cones. The hops aren’t too oily, but there is a lingering bitterness that isn’t sitting right with me. It doesn’t taste off or anything like that, it’s just not what I was expecting. I guess I would prefer a crisper finish. Still, it is very tasty brew.
Although medium-bodied, the beer feels a touch watery to me. The large amount of hops make me want a meatier beer. Carbonation levels are good.
I like this beer. Although similar, it is distinctly different than Peeper. This is hoppier than a lot of pale ales…it’s close to an IPA. Fans of MBC won’t be disappointed with this new product. IF you’ve enjoyed their other offerings, I recommend you give MO a shot as well.
