Moksa Brewing Conflation Bourbon Barrel-Aged Black Barleywine

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

Conflation pours pitch black with a luxurious presence, immediately releasing aromas of bourbon, charred oak, and rich vanilla bean. The palate unfolds in waves: dense toffee and dark chocolate give way to soaked raisins, caramelized dark fruit, and a whisper of smoke from extended barrel time. Vanilla from the imperial stout blend weaves through layers of oak tannin and warming bourbon spirit, while the English-style barleywine base contributes deep molasses and toasted malt complexity. The finish lingers with boozy warmth, sweet caramel, and lasting bourbon character that rewards slow, contemplative sipping.

Food Pairing

Pair with a dense flourless chocolate torte topped with bourbon-vanilla cream to mirror the beer’s decadent dark chocolate and barrel-derived sweetness. Alternatively, serve alongside an aged blue cheese like Stilton with toasted walnuts and fig jam, where the funky richness and dark fruit notes complement the beer’s raisin, caramel, and oak complexity beautifully.

About Moksa Brewing Company

Moksa Brewing Company was established in 2016 in Rocklin, California, quickly earning recognition as one of the most sought-after craft breweries on the American West Coast. Founded by Kenny Goss and Dan Carnahan, Moksa has built its reputation on an unwavering commitment to brewing intensely hopped, fruit-forward IPAs that showcase the full aromatic potential of contemporary hop varieties. The brewery’s name, derived from the Sanskrit word for liberation, reflects their philosophy of freeing beer from conventional boundaries through bold experimentation and meticulous attention to ingredient quality.

Moksa specializes in hazy IPAs and double IPAs that emphasize tropical fruit characteristics, juicy mouthfeel, and vibrant hop expression while maintaining exceptional balance. Their small-batch approach and limited distribution model have cultivated a devoted following, with releases regularly drawing enthusiasts from across the region. The brewery operates from a compact facility where hands-on production methods ensure consistency and quality control. Moksa has become emblematic of California’s modern IPA movement, distinguished by their technical precision and willingness to push the boundaries of hop-centric brewing while maintaining the drinkability that has become their hallmark.