Eternal Siesta by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. is a spiced, bourbon barrel-aged Imperial Stout and is being evaluated as a Mixed-Style Beer (category 34B in the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Imperial Stouts are noted for strong, rich chocolate and roasted malt flavors, black color with opaque clarity, and full body and smooth mouthfeel. Spice, Herb, or Vegetable Beers should have a harmonious balance between the spices, herbs or vegetables with the base beer style. Specialty Wood-Aged Beers are aged in spirit barrels and should have a harmonious blend between the barrel characters (typically vanilla and toasted oak), the barrel spirits, and the base style. Eternal Siesta was brewed with cacao, vanilla, cinnamon and chili peppers and was aged in Basil Hayden bourbon barrels. This beer measures in as 9% ABV.

Eternal Siesta pours black in color, is opaque and has a dark brown head that quickly fades. The aroma is moderate bourbon with stronger roasted and chocolate malts and a touch of vanilla and toasted oak. The body is medium-full with moderate warmth. The flavor is lightly sweet with moderately strong roasted and chocolate malts, slightly lighter bourbon and toasted oak with a light chili and cinnamon heat. The beer finishes moderately bitter with moderate roasted and chocolate malts, bourbon and vanilla with a light cinnamon and chili pepper that linger in the finish, tingling in the back of the throat.

Eternal Siesta is a fine bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout. The vanilla complements the toasted oak. The chili pepper and cinnamon contrast the light sweetness, but the cinnamon is a bit harsh in the finish. Regardless, the spices are light enough that anyone that enjoys a good bourbon barrel-aged stout will enjoy this one.