La Cumbre La Negra
What the brewers say
“2016’s La Negra is our bourbon barrel-aged Russian imperial stout, brewed with our British pale malt and an enormous amount of roasted malts. The resulting beer has a big bourbon and raisin nose, a rich body, and a bittersweet cocoa finish.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Smells like a Mounds bar, with deep chocolate and coconut. Aromas from the oak barrel as well, with vanilla, cherry esters, rich malt, and chocolate fudge. Decadent.”
Flavor: “Tons of roasted marshmallow comes through in the flavor, with rich chocolate, malt, and toast. Intensely sweet up front, but with a healthy amount of roast to keep it grounded. Big vanilla, light cherry, and coconut flavors play throughout with subtle spice from the bourbon emerging as it warms.”
Overall: “The base stout is perfectly brewed to highlight the amazing flavors found in these barrels. The play of sweet, dark chocolate with barrel spice and coconut make for a delicious and well-crafted beer. The roasted marshmallow was unexpected, but supported the hops and roast malt bitterness.”
