BEER REVIEW: 374

BREWER: MakeMake, Hampshire, England

STYLE: Stout

ABV: 8%

VESSEL: 500ml tin

X: @makemake_beer

INSTAGRAM: makemakebeer

DATE OF POST: 6th December 2024

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

As the golden orb dips below the horizon, its last rays painting the world in hues of amber and crimson, so too does this stout unfold on the palate—a journey through light and shadow.

The nose hints at the story to come—a fragrant blend of dark caramel and chai spice. It’s as inviting as the first glimpse of a fiery sunset, promising depth and richness that largely delivers.

The first sip evokes a rich, earthy warmth, much like the lingering heat of a sun-kissed evening. Notes of chai spice weave through the experience like the soft threads of twilight clouds, bringing a welcome sweetness that mirrors the final burst of daylight before night fully claims the sky. However, the sweetness grows insistent, much like a sunset that lingers just a bit too long, blurring the line between pleasing and cloying.

This is a stout meant for slow, thoughtful enjoyment. It’s not the beer you grab for a casual evening—it’s a fireside contemplation, a solitary walk at dusk.

While it offers intrigue and richness, it doesn’t completely transcend into an unforgettable sunset moment. Some of the flavours feel slightly unbalanced, like a horizon where clouds obscure the full brilliance.

Pouring this beer is like pouring liquid dusk into your glass—thick and gloopy, with a luscious mouthfeel that settles warmly. It’s a stout that belongs to special occasions, as rare and fleeting as the perfect sunset. The chai-spiced sweetness, while enchanting at first, risks overpowering the balance, leaving it as a beer best savoured in moments of stillness and reflection.

Raise your glass to the setting sun and sip this slowly. It’s a toast to transitions, the day fading into night, and the beauty found in fleeting moments.

Sammy’s Rating: 82%

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Firstly, I’d like to thank our brewery today for popping their beer into a 500ml tin. It wasn’t necessary and in the world of the 440 I’m sure I would have bought in this size guise too. So the way I see it, I’ve got 60ml of bonus beer.

Secondly, I’d like to thank our brewery today for making this pup 8%. Look I haven’t tasted it yet and it could be terrible. However, let’s assume it’s not… A warming 8%er to kick off December and the Christmas season? Yes pleeeeeeease!

Thirdly, I’d like to thank our brewery today for the exceptional tin art, produced by Cheryl Maslen (@cherylmaslen). Does it work well on a can of stout? Does it make the brew stand out from the crowd? Frankly, I don’t care that much this time around as it is just a beautiful piece.

Fourthly. I’d like to thank our brewery today for putting on their Instagram profile just how the brewery name is pronounced. Because it’s not as you would think. No no, MAKE MAKE it is not. It’s also not Maa Maa, as I heard some cool cat of a bearded beatnik beer nerd who wore a curtain for a coat and shoe protectors as actual shoes around Bermondsey call it. No, it’s pronounced MAH-KAY-MAH-KAY.

Fifthly, I’d like to thank our brewery today for brewing an absolutely sublime Stout. (I’ve obviously popped the pup now). Seriously, this is serious. Tones of cinnamon, ginger and cloves are straight up in your grill but my initial take away from sip one was how smooth this beauty is. Absolute silk.

Sixthly, I’d like to thank our brewery today for just nailing it in every department.

What a beer and what a start to December and the festive period.

Jymi’s Rating: 89%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 85.5%

MOB review next weekend: BLACK STOUT by FAVERSHAM STEAM BREWERY

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

X: @museonbooze

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