Maplewood Seasonal 4Pk

Maplewood Seasonal 4Pk is a rotating four-pack of 16oz cans from Chicago's Maplewood Brewery & Distillery, featuring limited-run seasonal beer styles that change throughout the year. As a 2017 Great American Beer Festival medalist, Maplewood has earned a reputation for producing inventive, high-quality brews from its Logan Square facility — the first in Illinois to house both a brewery and distillery under one roof.

Quick Facts: ABV: Varies by seasonal release  |  Origin: Logan Square, Chicago, Illinois  |  Rotating Seasonal Styles  |  Brewery: Maplewood Brewery & Distillery

Production & Heritage

Maplewood Brewery & Distillery was founded in 2014 in Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood, becoming the first operation in Illinois to produce both beer and spirits under a single roof. The brewery works on a 10 BBL brewhouse alongside a 250 L Kothe hybrid still, giving the team a unique perspective on fermentation and flavor development that carries into their beer program. The Seasonal 4Pk format showcases limited-edition styles brewed in smaller batches throughout the year, drawing on the same creativity behind year-round favorites like Son of Juice — which holds a 4.10 rating on Beer Advocate with over 23,000 ratings on Untappd.

Tasting Notes

Because the Seasonal 4Pk rotates styles, flavors vary significantly from release to release. Past seasonal offerings provide a sense of the range Maplewood explores:

Example — Crushinator (Session IPA, 4.5% ABV): Simcoe and Azacca hops deliver pronounced tropical and pine aromas, while El Dorado hops contribute a bright fruit character. The body stays light and crushable at 4.5% ABV, with a clean, dry finish.

Example — Brownie Points (Brown Ale w/ Vanilla, 5.7% ABV): Rich malty chocolate and toffee notes dominate the aroma and palate. Flaked oats build a creamy body, and the addition of both Madagascar and Mexican vanilla beans provides a smooth, bold finish that lingers with sweetness and warmth.

How to Drink Maplewood Seasonal

Check the style listed on the can to determine the ideal serve. Hop-forward seasonals like Crushinator drink best cold from the can or poured into a tulip glass to open up hop aromatics. Richer malt-driven releases like Brownie Points benefit from a slightly warmer pour in a snifter or nonic pint glass, allowing vanilla and chocolate layers to emerge. Because these are finished, standalone beers, they are best enjoyed on their own rather than as cocktail components.

Best For

• Trying new craft beer styles without committing to a full case
• Gifting to a beer enthusiast who appreciates Chicago-made craft
• Pairing with seasonal meals — lighter summer releases with grilled fare, heavier winter styles with roasts and stews
• Supporting a local, independent brewery-distillery hybrid

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Maplewood Seasonal taste like? The flavor profile changes with each seasonal release; past editions have ranged from tropical, hop-driven session IPAs to rich, vanilla-laced brown ales with chocolate and toffee notes. Check the label for the specific style and tasting descriptors for the current release.

How does Maplewood Seasonal compare to Revolution Brewing seasonal releases? Both are well-respected Chicago breweries producing rotating seasonal lineups, but Maplewood operates on a smaller 10 BBL brewhouse, resulting in more limited production runs. Maplewood's dual identity as a brewery-distillery also gives their team a broader fermentation toolkit than a beer-only operation.

Is Maplewood Seasonal good for craft beer beginners? Many of the seasonal releases are approachable in ABV and style, making them a solid entry point for drinkers exploring craft beer beyond mainstream lagers. The rotating format also lets newcomers sample different styles without a large commitment.

Where is Maplewood Seasonal made? Maplewood Seasonal beers are brewed at Maplewood Brewery & Distillery in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. The facility has operated since 2014 and was the first in the state to combine a full brewery and distillery.

What foods pair well with Maplewood Seasonal? Pairings depend on the specific release: hop-forward seasonals pair well with spicy tacos or Thai curry, where bitterness cuts through heat; malt-forward brown ales complement smoked brisket or grilled burgers; vanilla-infused releases like Brownie Points stand up to chocolate desserts or bread pudding; lighter session styles work alongside fresh salads or grilled fish.

What sizes does Maplewood Seasonal come in? The Seasonal 4Pk is available in a four-pack of 16oz cans, which is the standard format for Maplewood's packaged beer offerings.

Is Maplewood Seasonal worth the price? Maplewood Seasonal positions as a craft-tier offering from a small-batch Chicago brewery, and the rotating limited-edition format adds variety that justifies the price for drinkers who value freshness and local provenance over mass-produced alternatives.

Why Maplewood Seasonal?

Maplewood Brewery & Distillery stands apart as the first Illinois operation to produce both beer and spirits in a single facility, and that cross-disciplinary expertise informs every seasonal batch. The brewery's track record — including a 2017 Great American Beer Festival medal for their Oatmeal Milk Stout and consistently high community ratings on platforms like Beer Advocate and Untappd — demonstrates a commitment to quality across styles. The Seasonal 4Pk format lets drinkers experience the brewery's range without waiting for a taproom visit, delivering small-batch Chicago craft in a convenient 16oz can format. For anyone drawn to limited-run, locally produced beer with genuine variety, this rotating lineup delivers substance over hype.