Three Years of Barrel-Aged Ambition: Moksa’s Iteration

As the craft beer industry continues to evolve, so too does its consumer base. While we’ve seen a clear decline in those seeking out beer in favor of other social vices, those who remain deeply invested in the culture seem to be more dedicated than ever, with expectations that continue to climb. That’s particularly true when it comes to higher-gravity beers and barrel-aged projects, the true labors of love for many breweries. Moksa Brewing has become a force to be reckoned with in that space.

The Rocklin brewery is so dialed right now, and the general feeling is that they simply can’t miss. Nearly everyone who has gotten their hands on Sylva, their Triple Barrel Barleywine released back in June, has placed it at or near the top of their Beer of the Year lists, and, now, Moksa Iteration is the brewery’s newest double-barrel stout. Its supreme depth and flavor shows that the brewing team is still operating at the highest levels. The team was generous enough to send a bottle our way, and we’re grateful for another opportunity to show some love to one of California’s finest.

From Rocklin With Love

Moksa Brewing has been around publicly since 2018, and they arrived onto the scene with a simple approach: Push beyond traditional boundaries of brewing and treat beer as an art form. And they had the experience to back it up. Their team was made up of a group of people with extensive professional brewing experience, and it didn’t take long for them to develop a reputation for quality across nearly every style. Beyond this, whether they’re brewing hop-forward IPAs, Imperial Stouts, or any number of other offerings, the brewery has remained very much connected to its local community. The Moksa taproom has become a well-known gathering place for Rocklin and the greater Sacramento beer scene.

Through all of the brewery’s successes, if there was one area where Cory Meyer and his team always seemed intent on flexing their creative muscles, it was in their barrel program. Over the years, Moksa has developed an impressive portfolio of beers in this category, with extensive aging periods and unique blends of their various stout and barleywine bases. They’re no strangers to pushing the boundaries of how beer can develop over time, and combining different spirits and barrels with adjuncts to create something greater than each individual component. That attention to detail and their willingness to let these beers take the time they need to feel “complete” has become a defining part of the brewery’s identity. Each new release from this team is worth paying attention to, and Iteration is no different.

Moksa Iteration

This massive double barrel-aged imperial stout was released on August 29, 2026, with limited draft available and Moksa Advocator members gaining access to a 1 bottle presale allocation the day before. The day of the release, allocations were limited to 2 bottles/person, with a total bottle count of 200.

With this release, Moksa stressed the importance of education in the brewing game, never ceasing to learn when it comes to barrel-aged beer. Whether it’s another barrel to experiment with or another blend to adjust the ratios of, there will always be a new objective to chase. Iteration is meant to be a reflection of that process, taking what they’ve learned and seeing where it leads them next.

The Beer

Iteration comprises two different base beers brewed from mid-to-late 2023. The first leaned more into an aggressively boiled character – more than usual for Moksa – while the second introduced blackberry blossom honey into the fermentation stage. For the aging process, the first round took place in Weller 12 and Willett 5-year bourbon barrels. Once deemed ready, they were transferred to a second round of aging in Willett Family Estate 12-year and Heaven Hill 18-year barrels. Finally, after almost a year, the two barrels were tasted side-by-side and the team discovered an incredibly compelling product from blending the two. And thus, Iteration was born.

As mentioned previously, Head Brewer Cory Meyer and the brewing team were generous enough to send a bottle to us for review. We owe them a huge thank you for the chance to share this labor of love 3 years in the making.

The Review

There’s an immediately noticeable viscosity to this beer, pouring with authority and agitating a beautiful, deep-brown head of foam that holds for a few moments before settling back into the pitch-black abyss.

The nose is powerful, immediately showcasing the depth of the barrel on this beer. While notes of dark chocolate ring in the ears right away, it quickly transitions into caramelized raisin, smoked vanilla, and a touch of licorice. A whisper of astringency and molasses add further layers to the experience.

The palate continues the barrel masterclass. While initially bringing some sweetness, there’s a beautiful profile waiting underneath. Notes of bourbon-smoked truffle, overbaked caramel, charred white oak, and Raisinets combine for a beautifully complex journey.

The mouthfeel here is exceptional. Silky smooth with low-but-present carbonation, a touch of drying tannin, and an encompassing ethanol warmth that lingers well into the next sip.

Advocating for Greatness

Iteration is a perfect example of what makes Moksa’s barrel program so compelling. While there is plenty of barrel character to the beer, it never feels overwhelming, or a showcase of spirit barrels rather than brewing excellence. The oak, tannin, sweetness, and subtle fruit character all have a role, and it culminates in a beer that shows intention from the very first sip. More importantly, it’s the product of a team that understands when to keep pushing and when to just let the beer become what it’s going to be.

This is what excites me so much about what Moksa is doing right now. They’ve already earned their reputation for quality, but show no signs of slowing down. Each new release highlights another opportunity for experimentation, education, and refinement. Cory and his team want nothing more than to continue seeing how far they can take the process. In case it hasn’t already become abundantly obvious, Iteration is a very fitting name for a beer born from this philosophy, and it’s difficult not to wonder what the next round will bring.

The niche of barrel-aged beer lovers is small but dedicated, and if you’re in that number and haven’t been following what this Rocklin, CA team are doing, it’s time to start paying attention. The brewing team at Moksa is certain to give any release you see from this program all the time, attention, and creativity it deserves. Iteration is another outstanding example in an already impressive portfolio, and the next drop can’t come soon enough.