Style: Barrel-Aged Spiced Stout

ABV: 13.2

97/100
Aroma: 12
Appearance: 3
Flavor: 19
Mouthfeel: 4

Weldwerks Barrel-Aged Mexican Achromatic

What the brewers say

“Brewed with roasted cacao nibs, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla beans and aged in Breckenridge Distillery bourbon barrels, Barrel Aged Mexican Achromatic is a rich, decadent beer.”

What our panel thought

Aroma: “Big cinnamon and chocolate, with some sweet cherry, plum, and dark-fruit esters to boot. The coffee and tobacco shine through with the assertive—but not harsh—roastiness. And more notes of chocolate malt, alcohol, vanilla, bourbon barrel, caramel, cinnamon, Nesquik, and mellow coconut.”

Flavor: “Starts with the cinnamon and chocolate, and then a touch of tartness to make you think of chocolate-covered cherries. Huge coconut, German chocolate cake, and cinnamon spiciness, along with some good coffee roast and strong vanilla. Very subtle pepper warmth.”

Overall: “The blend of cherry, chocolate, coffee, and tobacco are stitched together by the cinnamon and vanilla. Enjoyable roasted flavors—it’s smooth, easy drinking, and not too gimmicky, even with the coconut. The spice balances and dries out the sweetness.”

What our editors thought

Review printed in: Sweet, Roasty, and Delicious (February-March 2017) (View All Issues)


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Westbound & Down Brewing Company Beyond Opulence

“Marshmallow nose with deep vanilla and dark chocolate in the background. On the tongue, a hunk of chocolate flavors followed by sweet, creamy vanilla. Dark chocolate and light earthy tobacco play nicely.”

Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project Continuum II

“Aroma is an intense blast of dark chocolate, peanuts, caramel, vanilla, and molasses. The sip brings notes of dark chocolate, crème brûlée, vanilla, cherries, blueberries, and plums. Thick, viscous body. Very sweet, but not quite cloying.”

WeldWerks Brewing Company Mexican Achromatic

**Aroma:** “Cinnamon, cayenne, ashy roast, dark and milk chocolate, and yes, tobacco. The ash is a little unpleasant, but everything else works well together. Moderate mint, with cinnamon and light chile pepper. Deep richness, with notes of tobacco and leather. Chocolate, with a hint of mole spice, and some fruity notes of cherry, as well as chile powder, earth, and maybe a touch of Brett.” **Flavor:** “More chocolate that other Mexican chocolate stouts, with the cinnamon and cayenne being fairly subdued up front. The flavors grow the longer the beer sits on the palate. Chocolate mint, with cinnamon, vanilla, and just a hint of vanilla spice. A rich, creamy mouthfeel reminiscent of oats or lactose in the grain bill. The capsaicin and alcohol heat hits, then fades into the aftertaste, leaving a vague Thin Mints finish, along with more heat. A very balanced finish.” **Overall:** “Love the body of this beer, mainly because it is so chewy, but then it finishes dry and hot, making you want more. So much complexity, which is typical of the style, but it blends together better than most. It’s quite smooth for a beer with chile spice—nicely subdued, but still present enough to add an interesting background. It’s a nice mix of sweet, chocolate, spice, and roast.”

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