Maize to Black

Bottle from Publix Supermarket, Lexington, South Carolina. Almost black with a bubbly off-white head. Has an initial dark malt lager taste with roasted malts developing in its aftertaste that linger. Its nose is closer to the former. There’s a sweetness about the ale too.

"Inspired by Mexican street corn" is a bit of a suspect phrase when found in a beer description, but, hey, gotta give Palmetto credit for creative inspiration. Follow-through is lacking, however; the flavors are there, but none of the elements come through enough to register as more than a fleeting accent. Roasty mocha notes form the backbone of the beer, while the lime makes a faint appearance on the finish. Cayenne helps add some personality to the fade, but it all comes across too delicate to leave a lasting impression. Mostly you get a weak black lager way too mellow to conjure up the amazing punch of a plate of elotes.