Stone Smoked Porter With Vanilla Bean

From Stone – Stone Smoked Porter w/ Vanilla Bean was the brainchild of Small Batch Brewer Laura Ulrich, who had a stroke of genius after trying Stone Smoked Porter poured over a couple scoops of vanilla ice cream. The complex flavor of Madagascar vanilla beans melds perfectly with the chocolatey, malty, coffee-like character of the beer, making it almost like a liquid dessert, but without an overbearing sweetness.

Stone Brewing Co. – Stone Smoked Porter With Vanilla Bean – 12 oz. bottle poured into a goblet. 5.9% abv.

Appearance:  Pours cola brown. Starts with a nice tan head that subsides to mere swirls.

Aroma:  Light smokey roast, creme soda.

Taste:  Mild smokey roast, hop spice, vanilla bean greatness.

Mouthfeel:  Prickly, full bodied.

Overall:  Love this beer, might love it more on tap.  As mentioned in the brewery’s description, it’s sweet and yummy but not overbearing or “fake.”  There is no way you won’t enjoy this beer, and I’m aware that’s a mighty bold statement.