The Big Friendly Vanilla Boom
What the brewers say
“Bourbon barrel–aged imperial stout with Ecuadorian, Ugandan, and Madagascar vanilla beans.”
What our panel thought
“Black with a wisp of brown head. Decadent nose of brownie batter, vanilla, brown sugar, bourbon, espresso. Roasted maltiness adds complexity. Espresso, dark chocolate, vanilla, treacle, rum, vintage port. The age is there with some raisins and amaretto. Heavyweight body, with a lot of residual sugars, but not cloying. Alcohol is warming but not hot. A great beer.”
What our editors thought
“Vanilla and roasted peanut in the nose with a slim and svelte oaky bourbon note that feels restrained and classic in context. Subtle dark chocolate aroma notes bounce against the richer bourbon. Punchy bourbon-chocolate flavor with a significant carb lends a liveliness on the tongue.”
