Vanilla Bourbon Stout
Steam Plant Brewing Company / Stacks Restaurant

The vanilla, and apparently the bourbon as well, originate with extracts. No real vanilla or bourbon cooperage is applied to the brewing or cellaring process. The distinction between inclusive brewing technique and extract additive is apparent. First, no perceptible bourbon element emerges at any time. Second, the vanilla sits on top of the beer with no integration. It’s really just perfume.

Still, that’s some entertaining perfume. It’s strong and engaging, if somewhat contrived, and dominates the flavor while still leaving room for refined notes of coffee. The stout component is notably cleaner than most Coeur d’Alene beers though the body is a bit frail and most of the stout is ultimately concealed behind the extract.

I had a couple of these to cap off my visit to the Steam Plant. Served in a pint glass, the beer is jet black with a dark beige head. Nice lacing.

The smell is terrific. The bourbon and vanilla are both prominent but not overpowering. There are nice underlying charred malts & dark fruits.

The taste is pleasantly sweet with the vanilla adding some pleasing notes. The bourbon is more subdued in the taste than the smell, but you will notice it. I liked the sugared plum and molasses taste that hovers behind the roasted malts.

The mouth is pleasantly thick and has some oily qualities that coat your tongue. Easy drinker in spite of the 10.2% alcohol level. Well done!!!