Maplewood Brunch Punch 4Pk is a 4.0% ABV fruited sour ale from Chicago's Maplewood Brewery & Distillery, sold as a four-pack of cans. Built on a tart wheat base with lactose, it layers tropical and berry fruit over a bright, clean sourness that has earned a devoted following among sour ale drinkers. The brewery—one of the first combined brewery-distillery operations in Illinois since opening in 2014—has collected Gold medals at both the Great American Beer Festival (2022) and the U.S. Open Beer Championship.Quick Facts: ABV: 4.0% | Origin: Logan Square, Chicago, Illinois | Style: Fruited Sour Ale | Brewery: Maplewood Brewery & DistilleryProduction & HeritageMaplewood Brewery & Distillery was founded in 2014 in Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood, establishing itself as one of the first dual-license brewery and distillery operations in Illinois. Brunch Punch starts with a tart wheat base and adds lactose for a rounded, slightly creamy body that tempers the sour character. The ABV is intentionally held at 4.0%—low enough for midday drinking without fatigue—making this a purpose-built brunch beer rather than a dialed-down afterthought.Tasting NotesAroma: A rich wave of strawberry and passion fruit leads, followed by ripe cherry and a tropical lift of guava. The nose is bright and juicy, with no harsh acidity telegraphed up front.Taste: The entry is immediately tart and fruit-forward, with strawberry dominating the first sip. Mid-palate, cherry and a flash of pineapple emerge, balanced by the subtle roundness that the lactose contributes. The sourness is assertive but clean—never puckering—and the fruit flavors read genuine rather than syrupy.Finish: Short and refreshing, with lingering berry tartness and bright carbonation that scrubs the palate. A faint tropical echo keeps the finish interesting without overstaying.How to Drink Brunch PunchStraight from the can or poured cold into a tulip glass, Brunch Punch is at its best around 38–42°F where the fruit character stays vibrant and the carbonation pops. It also works as a versatile ingredient in low-ABV cocktails: try it in a Berliner Shandy topped with fresh lemonade for extra citrus bite; use it as the sour component in a Beer Mimosa alongside orange juice and a splash of triple sec; or build a Michelada Twist with lime, hot sauce, and Brunch Punch in place of a traditional lager for a fruitier, tangier take.Best For Weekend brunch spreads where sessionability matters Warm-weather cookouts and backyard day-drinking Introducing friends to fruited sour ales with a gentle entry point Pairing alongside a charcuterie or fruit-and-cheese board Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Brunch Punch taste like? Brunch Punch delivers a tart, fruit-driven flavor profile dominated by strawberry and cherry, with supporting notes of passion fruit, guava, and pineapple over a lightly creamy wheat base. The sourness is forward but balanced, making each sip refreshing rather than aggressive.How does Brunch Punch compare to Fizzle Drizzle? Fizzle Drizzle is Maplewood's imperial version of the same concept—higher ABV with amplified fruit intensity and body. Brunch Punch, at 4.0% ABV, is the more sessionable option, designed for multiple cans over a long brunch rather than slow sipping.Is Brunch Punch good for sour ale beginners? Yes—the 4.0% ABV, generous fruit character, and subtle lactose smoothness make it one of the more approachable fruited sours available. The tartness is present but never overwhelming, which gives newcomers an easy on-ramp to the style.Where is Brunch Punch made? Brunch Punch is brewed at Maplewood Brewery & Distillery in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. The facility has operated as a combined brewery and distillery since 2014.What foods pair well with Brunch Punch? Its bright acidity and berry fruit pair naturally with eggs Benedict or a smoked salmon bagel, where the tartness cuts through richness. Fresh fruit salads and berry-topped waffles echo the beer's own fruit notes. Soft, tangy goat cheese or a creamy brie lets the sour character play off dairy fat, and lighter Thai dishes—like a green papaya salad—match the beer's tropical side.What sizes does Brunch Punch come in? The standard format is a four-pack of cans, which is the most widely available configuration.Is Brunch Punch worth the price? Brunch Punch positions as a craft sour ale at an accessible price tier, and the four-pack format delivers solid value for a well-made fruited sour from an award-winning Chicago brewery. For the style and sessionable ABV, it punches above expectations.Why Brunch Punch?The deliberate 4.0% ABV is the defining design choice here—Maplewood didn't simply water down an existing sour but built the recipe around the idea of a beer you can drink several of at a Saturday brunch without losing the afternoon. The tart wheat base with lactose gives it enough body and mouthfeel to feel satisfying at that lower strength, while the layered tropical and berry fruit keeps things complex enough to hold a sour enthusiast's attention. Backed by a brewery with Gold medals at the Great American Beer Festival and U.S. Open Beer Championship, Brunch Punch reflects real brewing skill applied to a very specific occasion. Few sour ales on the market hit this combination of flavor density, drinkability, and purpose-driven sessionability.
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