Fake no, I do get you though. I hate when the flavors of beer are too on point then you find out it was injected with something artificial and not brewed with true ingredients.
It is slightly sweet but not over the top. The hops are very subtle and you cant sense the alcohol which is nice. Its oaky and the maple stands out. When I first read reviews people said that the aftertaste was horrible, but I didnt really dislike the aftertaste. Really I didnt get one. It was smooth. As the beer warmed a bit you did get the flavor of....I dunno its hard to say...I want to say meaty lol but not in a bad way. I mean it was different, Im glad I tasted it, but my socks are still on so I cant say I would drop 12 bucks for another. The price point is what keeps me from going back. Other than that I think it was a good beer.