So here we are, days before Thanksgiving and I am scrambling.  I have a ton of real-life, grown-up work to do before Thanksgiving and it’s not fun.

Currently, I have two baskets of laundry, folded, but in need of putting away; a hamper full of clothing to be washed; a washing machine full of bedding which was just pulled from the beds; I kinda (sorta) need to clean my house AND I haven’t done my Thanksgiving shopping yet.  At least I know what I am making – which is one step ahead of where I was this time yesterday.

Plus, my real-life (not so fulfilling) day job is packed with a to-do list as long as Santa’s naughty list.  What is it about holidays and time off that makes office folks go into a full-on panic; insisting that every little thing gets done before Thursday?

Whatever.  It’s only Monday and I am over it.

Fitting today’s Malt Monday post is based on Tommyknocker Brewery and Pub Maple Nut Brown.  The legend of the Tommyknocker goes like this.  “Tommyknockers slipped into the mining camps of Idaho Springs in the 1800’s with the discovery of gold in our mountains and streams.  These mischievous elves, though hardly ever seen, were often heard singing and working.  They guided many fortunate miners from harm’s way and to the gold they sought.”

Maybe I need a Tommyknocker to guide me through the mountains of Working Momma-Land and lead me to the gold I want.  In this case, my gold would be a clean house without a single piece of dirty laundry in sight – all before Thursday.  One can only hope.

I did happen to strike gold with this week’s Malt Monday pick.  Tommyknocker Brewery and Pub Maple Nut Brown is a delicious ale brewed with pure maple syrup.  This beer poured nice and dark, almost like a stout, but not as heavy.  The foam that appeared quickly dissipated, leaving spotty lacing on the glass.  This I didn’t like, but the fine taste of this beer made me quickly forget the weak foam.  In addition to the nice maple flavor, which is balanced and not overpowering, I tasted coffee, hints of chocolate and a bit of caramel.

Very light and easy to drink, this beer tasted good cold and even at room temperature, without any negative aftertaste.  In addition to the flavorings, the beer had a nice, sweet aroma tempting my interest on multiple levels.  Low on carbonation, I didn’t end up feeling overly full which sometimes happens when I drink the darker beers.

This is an easy-going beer for an easy-going day.  Totally what I needed even if my day wasn’t exactly easy. Tommyknocker Brewery and Pub’s Maple Nut Brown is GGG approved.

Cheers and have a Happy Thanksgiving!