Year of New Beer: Kentucky Coffee, West 6th Brewing (Lexington)

Written By: Dion on 03/15/2018

St. Patrick's day in Lexington just got lucky in the form of this barrel aged beauty out of the Breadbox. Cocoa powder, nuts, and roasted coffee beans lead the nose, while a subtle vanilla sweetness and hints of bourbon-soaked oak are content to lurk in the shadows. Warmth allows both the chocolate and vanilla to deepen, adding layers to the aroma. The olfactory sensations transition extremely well to the tongue, starting with a dry cocoa note. Subtlety is the key here, as the flavors seem to take turns in the spotlight. A slightly astringent coffee bumps the cocoa aside, then mellows into an earthy roast as it is joined by a creamy vanilla and a sweet bourbon heat. Everything is smoothed and softened by the lactose leading to a dry, toasted malt finish. This is not a big, chewy, barrel-aged stout, but rather a wonderfully executed exercise in restraint, which allows its components to coexist in delicious harmony. Another great beer by one of our fantastic local breweries. If there's a pot o' gold at the end of the proverbial craft beer rainbow, it just might be found in Lexington. Bottles go on sale in the taproom this Saturday at 11am.