Sisyphus More Than A Trace

 Sisyphus More Than A Trace. Buffalo Trace Barrel aged Imperial Stout w/ Dogwood Coffee.

13.5% ABV, 40 IBU, Sisyphus Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Strictly ebony, absolutely opaque, slim tan ring of foam.

In the nose: big barrel effects, bulging out of the aroma. Outsized bourbon notes, char and cherry, with coffee creeping in below. Massive malt associations abound. 

In the mouth: surprisingly smooth, resplendently rich. Thick, viscous, round and full. Coffee and cocoa are king, with bourbon barrel flavors right around the side. Whole lot going on here, much more than a trace. 

I am very fond of this bottling. I may have to return for more. 

We love Buffalo Trace barrels - we think they lead to some of the best barrel aged beers we've made.  This stout was aged for 1 year in a Buffalo Trace barrel and then finished on Dogwood Coffee - Espresso beans.  You can definitely taste and smell the coffee, but it doesn't overwhelm the barrel character.  The two blend together to create a creamy, vanilla-laden flavor, with an espresso finish.