Scotch Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout
Cycle Brewing

 

 

Jet black body topped with a somewhat thin yet dense and creamy light tan head. Rich and succulent scents of milk chocolate, cocoa, mocha and a rather indescribable and quiet boozy element. Finely balanced taste incorporating cocoa and bitter chocolate with an oh so subtle bit of light Scotch whisky; a bit of burnt and smokey quality deeply lurks in the background. Heavy body; sludgy and chewy; great residual sugar body and feel; sweet but tempered.

I've had this beer in my possession for a few months, sitting in the back of the micro fridge in the 'Fortress of Solitude'. I hadn't noticed the Russian River-like label inscription to not age and drink fresh, but I'm relatively sure the cold, dark confines of the mini beer fridge hasn't hurt things much. This is a rich, filling beer, presenting some well-honed notes of balance and complexity, and all with a scrumptious mouthfeel texture. Should have gotten one or more when I had a chance (and sampled them sooner than later, I suppose)...