Vanilla-infused stouts

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by SeanBond, May 22, 2014.

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  1. SeanBond

    SeanBond Pooh-Bah (2,904) Jul 30, 2013 Illinois
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Which ones give you a good amount of vanilla? Having not tasted the heavyweights (BVDL, BCBVS), I'm not even sure what I'm looking for, or should be looking for.

    For reference, I think Creme Brulee is a great beer, but it's a little too rich/sweet for me. I'm under the impression that barrel-aging a beer will mitigate this somewhat, but I haven't tried any BA vanilla stuff, so I can't say for sure. I've also liked what vanilla flavor I've gotten from beers like Parabola and Velvet Merkin, but wasn't sure if those are good examples, either.

    Thoughts on which ones to keep an eye out for? (and obviously I'd keep an eye out for Vanilla Dark Lord, but I don't have $300 for a bottle :wink:).
     
  2. rather

    rather Initiate (0) May 31, 2013 California

    ballast point victory at sea, technically a porter but boy is it tasty
     
  3. guinness77

    guinness77 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,554) Jan 6, 2014 New York
    Pooh-Bah

    I've never had it, but people on this site seem to go bananas for Jack's Abby Vanilla Framinghammer. I know I'd like to try it based off of what I've read and being a fan of most stouts.
     
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  4. Iamjeff6

    Iamjeff6 Initiate (0) Sep 9, 2013 Virginia

    How about New Holland Dragons Milk
     
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  5. tectactoe

    tectactoe Pooh-Bah (2,386) Mar 20, 2012 Michigan
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    mikkeller vanilla shake (barrel aged & non)
    mexican cake
    white chocolate (not a stout, but it's a vanilla bomb)
    or xata (same)
     
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  6. msubulldog25

    msubulldog25 Initiate (0) Aug 3, 2005 Oregon

  7. DrRambis

    DrRambis Initiate (0) Jan 10, 2014 New Jersey

    Like mentioned above Ballast Point Victory at Sea is just a winner. Fantastic beer. But it has strong coffee notes as well. If you are looking with something that simply emphasizes vanilla and that is it I would recommend Mean Old Tom from Maine Brewing or Stone's Vanilla Smoked Porter. I also have a Jack's Abby Vanilla Framminghammer waiting which I'm greatly looking forward to.
     
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  8. Sumdeus

    Sumdeus Initiate (0) Mar 17, 2014 Indiana

    Hyperion with vanilla, not super strong on the vanilla but still tasty.
     
  9. butters_mcgee

    butters_mcgee Pooh-Bah (1,857) Feb 26, 2014 New York
    Pooh-Bah

    I'll second Maine Beer Mean Old Tom. Great tasting beer.
    Get your hands on one if you can.
     
  10. Domingo

    Domingo Grand Pooh-Bah (4,252) Apr 23, 2005 Colorado
    Pooh-Bah

    Framinghammer really is all that, but because it's a Baltic Porter, I don't know if I'd classify it with stouts. It's a Baltic of the lager yeast variety and so it has different mouthfeel, finish, and even just the overall flavor profile. It's more like a more acidic vanilla doppelbock...but oh man is it wonderful.
     
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  11. jivex5k

    jivex5k Initiate (0) Apr 13, 2011 Florida

    Is that beer named after the Terran unit in starcraft?
     
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  12. guinness77

    guinness77 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,554) Jan 6, 2014 New York
    Pooh-Bah

    Good call on the MBC Mean ol' Tom. Great beer.
     
    LeRose likes this.
  13. Pahn

    Pahn Initiate (0) Dec 2, 2009 New York

    step 1: buy some decent rum,

    step 2: buy some vanilla beans,

    step 3: put the vanilla beans in the rum and leave it there for a few months,

    step 4: put a teaspoon of that into a good heavy stout,

    step 5: think back fondly on my advice.

    step 6: put woodford reserve in sierra nevada celebration--believe me, the combo is A New Beast.
     
  14. moshea

    moshea Initiate (0) Jul 16, 2007 Michigan

    Atwater Vanilla Java Porter. Not a stout, and def not a big beer at 6.00abv but it packs a good vanilla taste.

    It reviews poorly here, but I think it is a solid beer.
     
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  15. elektrikjester

    elektrikjester Initiate (0) Nov 15, 2008 Georgia

    People may point you to big imperials, which is all fine and good. But my fave is still is the modest Finch's Secret Stache. When fresh, it cannot be beat.
     
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  16. phishterrrrrrr88

    phishterrrrrrr88 Initiate (0) Mar 18, 2014 Florida

    It's only available at the taproom on a rotating basis, but Bent Paddle Vanilla Cold Press is fan-F-ing-tastic. If you're lucky enough to be there when they have a cask, GET IT.
     
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  17. rhartogsq

    rhartogsq Initiate (0) Jun 18, 2010 Virginia

  18. Domingo

    Domingo Grand Pooh-Bah (4,252) Apr 23, 2005 Colorado
    Pooh-Bah

    I honestly really like the Breckenridge Vanilla Porter as a dessert beer. It tastes like Whoppers candy to me.
     
    Jeffreysan likes this.
  19. jdb288

    jdb288 Initiate (0) Nov 22, 2013 New Jersey

    I thought Black Diamond Peak XV Imperial Porter (California brewery) was a great example of a vanilla-forward dark beer.
     
  20. SeanBond

    SeanBond Pooh-Bah (2,904) Jul 30, 2013 Illinois
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    I went on a tour of their brewery, and I'm always looking for an excuse to try their stuff. I'll keep an eye out!
     
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