Maplewood Brownie Points 4Pk is a vanilla-infused English brown ale from Chicago's Maplewood Brewery & Distillery, brewed at 5.7% ABV. Awarded 93 points by Wine Enthusiast, this brown ale distinguishes itself from the style's traditional malt-forward profile through the addition of whole Madagascar and Mexican vanilla beans, producing a dessert-like depth uncommon in the category.Quick Facts: ABV: 5.7% | Origin: Chicago, Illinois | Style: English Brown Ale with Vanilla | Brewery: Maplewood Brewery & DistilleryProduction & HeritageMaplewood Brewery & Distillery operates out of Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood, running both a brewhouse and a distillery under one roof. Brownie Points is built on a complex grain bill of pale malt, Munich malt, biscuit malt, flaked oats, dark crystal brown malt, and dehusked roasted barley — a layered foundation that delivers both body and nuance. Warrior hops provide clean bittering while Fuggle hops contribute earthy, traditional English character. The defining production choice is the addition of whole Madagascar and Mexican vanilla beans, which push the beer well beyond a standard brown ale into something closer to a liquid dessert, while the flaked oats contribute a notably creamy mouthfeel.Tasting NotesAroma: Warm chocolate and toffee dominate the nose, followed by a distinct vanilla sweetness that recalls fresh brownie batter. Subtle roasted grain and a hint of caramel round out the bouquet.Taste: The entry is rich with malty chocolate and caramel sweetness, immediately coating the palate with a fudgy warmth. At mid-palate, the flaked oats assert themselves with a creamy, almost silken texture, while biscuit malt and a gentle spiciness add complexity. The dual-origin vanilla beans emerge clearly toward the peak, providing a smooth sweetness that balances the roasted barley's darker edges.Finish: Medium in length with a bold yet smooth landing, carrying lingering notes of vanilla, a whisper of espresso-like roast, and residual toffee. The finish avoids cloying sweetness thanks to the earthy Fuggle hops, which provide a clean, grounding bitterness.How to Drink Brownie PointsBrownie Points is best enjoyed at cellar temperature, around 50–55°F, to let the vanilla and chocolate complexity fully express. Pouring into a tulip glass or English pint concentrates the aroma and showcases the ale's deep brown color. For cocktail-curious drinkers: try it in a Brown Ale Float with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, where the beer's own vanilla character creates seamless integration; in a Beer-a-Misu (beer-based tiramisu cocktail) where its chocolate and espresso notes mirror the classic dessert; or as the base of a Shandy with fresh-squeezed lemon juice to brighten the malt sweetness and add a refreshing counterpoint.Best For After-dinner sipping as a dessert beer alternative to stouts and porters Gifting to a craft beer enthusiast who appreciates off-style experimentation Pairing with a backyard barbecue spread featuring smoked meats and rich sides Introducing brown ales to friends who gravitate toward sweeter, dessert-forward styles Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Brownie Points taste like? Brownie Points delivers a rich combination of malty chocolate, toffee, and caramel sweetness with a creamy body from flaked oats, finishing with smooth vanilla and a touch of roasted espresso-like bitterness.How does Brownie Points compare to Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale? Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale is a traditional English brown ale focused on clean hazelnut and malt character without adjuncts, while Brownie Points leans into dessert territory with the addition of Madagascar and Mexican vanilla beans and a more complex grain bill featuring flaked oats for extra creaminess. Both are approachable and malt-forward, but Brownie Points skews notably sweeter and richer.Is Brownie Points good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — the 5.7% ABV keeps it sessionable, and the layered vanilla, chocolate, and toffee flavors reward slow, deliberate sipping, especially at cellar temperature.Where is Brownie Points made? Brownie Points is brewed at Maplewood Brewery & Distillery in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, a combined brewery and distillery operation.What foods pair well with Brownie Points? Smoked brisket or pulled pork, where the beer's sweetness complements the char and fat; chocolate brownies or lava cake, which echo the ale's fudgy core; sharp cheddar or aged gouda, whose saltiness contrasts the caramel malt; grilled burgers with caramelized onions for a savory-sweet match; or pecan pie, which mirrors the toffee and vanilla notes.What sizes does Brownie Points come in? Brownie Points is available in a 4-pack format, which is the standard retail offering from Maplewood Brewery & Distillery for this expression.Is Brownie Points worth the price? With a 93-point score from Wine Enthusiast and a distinctive dual-vanilla-bean production process, Brownie Points positions as a premium craft brown ale that delivers well above its price tier compared to mass-market brown ales, making it a strong value within the specialty craft segment.Why Brownie Points?The 93-point rating from Wine Enthusiast places Brownie Points among the highest-scoring brown ales in recent memory, a distinction few beers in this often-overlooked style achieve. The use of both Madagascar and Mexican vanilla beans — not extract, not flavoring, but whole beans from two distinct origins — is a production detail that creates genuine depth rather than one-note sweetness. Combined with a grain bill that includes six different malts and grains, Brownie Points demonstrates the kind of layered complexity that serious craft drinkers seek but rarely find in a brown ale. It stands as one of Maplewood's signature achievements and a compelling argument for the English brown ale as a canvas for thoughtful innovation.
