Vanilla Bourbon Porter
Brewster River Pub & Grill

Poured into a pint glass, the appearance was a ruddy dark brown close to black color with a thin white to off white foamy head that dies off at a decent pace. No lacing. The aroma leaned to a thick sweet to spicy black licorice, then roasty dark chocolate malts. Vanilla is there like a cream-like adjunct. Bourbon seems to be missing. The flavor leans to the sweet side initially with a contained roastiness to it. Black licorice seems to come back to balance. Rugged sweet to spicy aftertaste. Missing that bourbon. Quick malty to spicy sort of finish. On the palate, this one sat about a light to medium on the body with a fair sessionability about it. Moderate carbonation. Roastiness hits somewhat rugged. Overall, not sure what to think on this one, the vanilla seems more like an adjunct and overly sweet. Bourbon seems nowhere to be found.

On tap at brewery, this beer is black in color with mahogany on the edges. Head is tan and rather thin. Aroma is burnt and sweet with molasses and vanilla present. Some raisins and dark cherries in there too but bourbon not noticed. Taste is on the sweet side with more dark cherries and vanilla with a slightly sour mash flavor. Bourbon gets some notice near the very end. Medium body and light carbonation. A nice porter especially as it warms.