Year of New Beer: Coffee and Vanilla Barrel Aged Axis Mundi, MadTree Brewing (Cincinnati)

Written By: Dion on 09/13/2015

An initially muted nose of coffee and milk chocolate blossoms nicely with warmth, incorporating toasted marshmallow, light bourbon, and sweet vanilla. Very similar experience on the tongue, with chocolate leading the way before bowing out to a building bourbon presence that is accentuated by an acidic, bitter, roasted bean and earthy oak. Just enough creaminess from the vanilla to prevent astringency. Does not feel like 10.5% ABV. My only (small) complaint would be that it's a tad thin on the mouthfeel, but only marginally so. Excellent beer.