Maplewood Pastry Case 4Pk is a dessert-inspired ale 4-pack from Chicago's Maplewood Brewery & Distillery, brewed at 6.5% ABV. The Pastry Case series stands out for its use of real culinary ingredients — cinnamon, vanilla, Metric Coffee, and graham crackers — yielding beers that genuinely evoke the flavors of classic bakery treats rather than relying on artificial sweetness. Quick Facts: ABV: 6.5% | Origin: Logan Square, Chicago, Illinois | Style: Pastry Ale | Brewery: Maplewood Brewery & Distillery Production & Heritage Maplewood Brewery & Distillery has been producing beer and spirits out of Logan Square since 2014, operating a 10BBL brewhouse alongside a 250L Kothe hybrid still — the first operation in Illinois to establish both brewing and distilling under a single roof. The Pastry Case series draws on that dual craft sensibility, with each variant inspired by a specific sweet or savory treat. Real baking ingredients like cinnamon, vanilla, graham crackers, and locally sourced Metric Coffee are incorporated directly into the brewing process, aiming for authentic dessert character rather than mere suggestion. Tasting Notes Aroma: Warm cinnamon and toasted graham cracker rise first, followed by a wave of vanilla and roasted coffee. The overall impression is distinctly bakery-like, with a sweetness that reads as genuine rather than cloying. Taste: The entry is soft and creamy, with vanilla and graham cracker sweetness arriving early on the palate. Mid-palate brings roasted coffee depth and a gentle cinnamon spice that balances the dessert-forward flavors. The mouthfeel is notably rich and full-bodied for the 6.5% ABV. Finish: Medium in length, with lingering coffee roast and a subtle sweetness reminiscent of pastry dough. The cinnamon warmth gently fades, leaving a clean close that invites the next sip. How to Drink Pastry Case These ales are best enjoyed cold, between 40–45°F, poured into a tulip glass or snifter to concentrate the bakery aromatics. A Beer Float pairs the ale with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to amplify its dessert character. A Pastry Case Shandy — blending the ale with lightly sweetened lemonade — creates a surprisingly refreshing warm-weather drink. For a creative cocktail riff, use it as the beer component in a Boilermaker alongside Maplewood's own distilled spirits for an all-Chicago pairing. Best For Introducing craft beer drinkers to the pastry ale style Dessert course substitution at a dinner party Gifting to someone who loves both baked goods and craft beer Weekend brunch alongside pancakes, waffles, or French toast Frequently Asked Questions What does Pastry Case taste like? Maplewood's Pastry Case ales deliver a creamy, dessert-forward flavor profile built on real cinnamon, vanilla, graham cracker, and coffee, with a rich mouthfeel that drinks like a liquid pastry at 6.5% ABV. How does Pastry Case compare to other pastry ales? Pastry Case distinguishes itself through the use of specific culinary ingredients like Metric Coffee and real graham crackers rather than relying heavily on lactose or artificial flavoring. At 6.5% ABV, it also sits lower in alcohol than many imperial pastry stouts, making it more sessionable. Is Pastry Case good for craft beer beginners? Yes — the approachable 6.5% ABV and familiar dessert flavors make Pastry Case an accessible entry point into the pastry ale category without overwhelming bitterness or boozy heat. Where is Pastry Case made? Pastry Case is brewed at Maplewood Brewery & Distillery in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, where the brewery has operated its 10BBL brewhouse since 2014. What foods pair well with Pastry Case? Brunch classics like French toast and cinnamon rolls mirror the ale's baking-spice profile. Rich chocolate brownies complement the coffee notes. A cheese plate featuring mascarpone or brie echoes the creamy mouthfeel. Pecan pie or bread pudding make natural dessert pairings. What sizes does Pastry Case come in? This offering is available as a 4-pack, which is the standard retail format for the Pastry Case series. Is Pastry Case worth the price? Pastry Case positions as a craft-premium offering from an independently owned Chicago brewery using real, named-source ingredients like Metric Coffee, placing it in line with other quality-driven pastry ales in the market. Why Pastry Case? Maplewood's Pastry Case series earns its reputation by doing what many dessert-inspired beers only approximate: incorporating real baking and coffee ingredients for authentic flavor rather than artificial shortcuts. Coming from Illinois's first combined brewery-distillery operation, these ales reflect a house culture that takes both fermentation and flavor seriously. The 6.5% ABV keeps the drinking experience approachable while the rich, creamy body delivers genuine indulgence. For anyone seeking a pastry ale that tastes like it came from a bakery rather than a chemistry lab, this 4-pack is a compelling argument for Maplewood's approach.
