Cycle Brewing Co. Monday (2016)
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What the brewers say
“Maple bourbon barrel–aged coffee cinnamon imperial stout.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Cinnamon covered almonds and dark chocolate up front, with a pleasant bourbon note coming through. There’s smoky chile peppers, with underlying barrel character, heavy aromas of dark fruit, and a fair amount of oxidation.”
Flavor: “Rich cinnamon and dark and bittersweet chocolate open up to bourbon, vanilla, and just a hint of coffee and smoke. Barrel character is present throughout, but not overwhelming. Malt is supportive, but mostly there as a canvas for the adjuncts and barrel. Finishes warm with just a hint of sweetness, balanced by the spice.”
Overall: “Complex and nuanced spiced stout that taps into a lot of bold flavors, but suffers a touch with a slight astringent, chalky, maybe even tart finish. Otherwise, well executed.”
