Beer of the Week: Nuestra Señora

From the Beer Writer: Seasoned samplers of bourbon barrel-aged stouts know what to expect from such offerings: brawny, deeply roasty, viscous brews with overtones of vanilla and booze. The latter tends to be most prominent, which is just fine since whiskey essence is what draws most enthusiasts to these beers in the first place. But it’s always a treat when a bourbon-tinged stout has more to offer beyond the spirit. Such is the case with this week’s featured beer, Nuestra Señora from North County’s Guadalupe Brewery. Despite spending multiple years in-barrel and coming in at a hefty 14% alcohol-by-volume, this rich imperial stout goes down (way too) easy, delivering myriad flavors along the way. Chocolate, coffee, vanilla, oak and a cinnamon-like, earthy spice marry seamlessly with each other and a whiskey character that’s more a backdrop than an overbearing star. Released as an annual treat, Nuestra Señora is currently available at Guadalupe’s Vista tasting room.

From the Brewer: “Nuestra Señora stout is our once-a-year special release imperial stout aged in freshly dumped American whiskey barrels. With intense oak, vanilla and whiskey notes up front, the barrel character is distinct on the nose but smooth on the palate, intensifying with each sip. Caramel, vanilla, light chocolate and oak are all interplaying notes as you enjoy Nuestra Señora, creating a harmony that will comfort like a blanket on a brisk night at San Diego’s beaches. Serve in a snifter as you would a good whiskey, and warm in your hands to accentuate the flavors in your mouth.”—Raul Deja, Co-owner & Head Brewer, Guadalupe Brewery