Friday (2023)
Cycle Brewing

Pours a thick, opaque, dark brown color; minimal head, primarily thin tan ring inside the glass with a couple of patches of foam floating in the middle. Rich and alluring chocolate and vanilla scents with a bold suggestion of toasted coconut. The taste builds on the smell; dark milk chocolate and deeply roasted and charred grain; fruity esters hinting at cherries; subtle whiskey undercurrent. Heavy, sticky mouthfeel; boozy heat (but not overbearing).

Cycle makes some of the most impressive imperial and barrel-aged stouts currently available. This 2023 version of their week day series is no exception. Anyone who likes big, tasty, dark beers needs to try one of their beers at least once.

ABV: unk (assumed around 12-13%); pouring temperature: 50.0 °F; bottling info: 2023
Source: local purchase (Coaltrain Fine Wine, Craft Beer & Spirits)

Thanks, Brent! 3 Year Barrel Aged Noa (Coffee, Cinnamon & Pecan).

Served in a chalice from the bottle.

Appearance: Super dark black body with a dark tan head with an initial pour which rose just about 5mm off the body. Subtle and quickly dissipates after two sips.

Smell: Straight molasses and vanilla, hits the nose strong with a light whiskey scent.

Taste: Complex sweet raisin and vanilla with hints of espresso and heavy brown sugar. Complicated little brew which is hard to keep down.

Mouth: Sticky body with a soft carbonation. Palate crushing and not cleansing.

Overall: Honestly great brew, wish I could have more. Part of a beer tasting tonight which surprised the hell out of me. Salud!

Cellared a year. Pitch black body with some dark brown speckling, light cap. Aromas of barrel and dark chocolate fudge, lesser so I smell coffee, vanilla, cinnamon and dark nut. Taste is much the same except dark nut is covered up with rich dark malts and slight roast. Feels like a cycle stout: massive and heavy with plenty of warm viscosity, but has a little more refinement and smoothness while showing off barrel plenty . Simpler but technically excellent

Pours jet black. Aroma is mostly chocolate and bourbon & enjoyable. Taste is chocolate, bourbon, vanilla & malt though a bit thin. Medium mouthfeel. Very enjoyable stout.