Hazelnut (2017)
Cycle Brewing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just a bit thin.

 

 

 

650ml bottle, served in a snifter glass. Pours a dark black body, not much leg, one finger offwhite head, good retention, no lacing. Smell is moderate hazelnut aromas; genuine and not extract-like. Cocoa is stronger on the palate, providing a hefty bitterness to round the beer out. There is some milk chocolate and brown sugar as well as a bit of bourbon smokiness. But the predominant aroma is hazelnut, and pleasantly so; it isn't overdone as it can be in some beers. Flavour is moderate hazelnut, chocolate, bourbon and switches over to a moderately intense cocoa bitterness on the backend. It's a nice clean transition, although the beer at times kind of tastes two-noted with hazelnut and cocoa nibs, as the adjuncts dominate a bit more than I'd like, but at the same time, the adjuncts contribute quite a bit to the tastiness quotient. So I shouldn't complain. Mouthfeel is medium bodied, good carbonation, smooth and a moderately bitter cocoa nib finish. Tasty and balanced hazelnut stout.