2021 New Year Cuvée

2021 New Year Cuvée by pFriem Family Brewers is being judged as a 33B Specialty Wood-Aged Beer, as a strong stout with toasted coconut and vanilla. In the glass, the beer is definitely a bit less black than anticipated, but that’s just the appearance. Pours clear with a thin off-white head. The nose is intensely chocolaty with vanilla accentuating that aspect along with a supplementary coconut and bourbon quality. A touch of papery oxidation creeps out as well, but overall it has a nice aroma. On tasting, it’s more full and sweet than expected, with bitterness from the roast and coconut supporting. I’m getting big Mounds bar vibes here, and I thoroughly dig it. Pretty fresh overall, and the finish tends towards roasty. More full-bodied than I expected from the appearance. Really surprisingly balanced and drinkable for a sweet and boozy stout with low levels of hop bitterness. Tasty stuff!