I haven’t had this brew for a couple of years and it was one of the first Porters I ever tried, so I thought it would be good to give it a proper review.
The description from the website, breckbrew.com, has this to say about the Vanilla Porter.
Who would have thought deep in the jungles of Papua, New Guinea and Madagascar grew the perfect ingredient to build an extraordinary Porter in Colorado? An ale that has all the chocolate and roasted nut flavor of a classic Porter, with an enigmatic surprise thrown in for good measure, real vanilla bean. Breckenridge Brewery’s Vanilla Porter. A vanilla kiss in a rich, dark sea.
I think I’m ready for some malty goodness!!!!
This Porter has an ABV of 4.7% and comes in a 12 oz. bottle.
The beer poured a very dark, very clear ruby/brown color with a light tan, nicely sized head produced from a fairly aggressive pour. It appeared to be both creamy and soapy in texture. The retention was not great and the lacing was just ok in my opinion.
The aroma had a nice fragrance of roasted coffee bean mixed with fair amounts of milk chocolate and, the all important, vanilla notes. The vanilla did seem to be a tad bit relaxed however. A whiff or two of marshmallow cream brought about even more sweetness. It smells sweet, however it’s not overly robust or out of character. Only the most minute hint of grain was attained in the fragrance. The coffee and chocolate were malty, harmonious and enjoyable.
The vanilla was more pronounced in the taste than it was in the aroma. Also, more of the roasted, toasted coffee bean and bittersweet chocolate were there along with a bit of “smoke” flavoring. Nice!!! The hops were kept to a minimum and the grain was barely detectable. Overall, the taste was very good, rich and complex enough to entice my taste buds.
The mouthfeel was medium, dry, only somewhat creamy and mostly smooth. It’s kind of chewy, although not much flavor is left behind for enjoyment. It’s not bad, but I just wanted more I guess.
I’ll tell ya, I think this is a pretty good Porter. Solid. I actually liked the bits of vanilla mixed in. It gives it a unique twist to the traditional style. The vanilla may be too much for some, but I found it to be most enjoyable. I also thought it to be a tad bit “filling” and “heavy” even with the modest 4.7% ABV. If you are looking for a Porter that is slightly off center from the norm, pick this up and give it a try. I think you might like it!!! I’m sure I will sample it a few more times before it’s all said and done.
What’s your favorite Porter?
Thanks for reading and commenting. Hope you guys have a safe and sound weekend.
Cheers!!!
Score: 3.8 out of 5
Grade: B+
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Scott-TheBrewClub
August 17, 2011 at 3:02 pm
I tried this one over the Summer and have to say I didn't care for it. I thought the vanilla was too bitter or something – it just didn't work for me. My fav porter? Sam Smith's Taddy Porter!
Scott-TheBrewClub
August 17, 2011 at 3:02 pm
I tried this one over the Summer and have to say I didn't care for it. I thought the vanilla was too bitter or something – it just didn't work for me. My fav porter? Sam Smith's Taddy Porter!
shrews824
August 17, 2011 at 4:10 pm
Scott,
I can definitely see how the vanilla may be too overpowering for some, but I tend to like vanilla, so I found it quite enjoyable. As far as my favorite Porter…. probably either Anchor Porter, Alaskan Smoked Porter or Fullers London Porter. Actually, I have too many to name. Haha.
Cheers,
Scott
shrews824
August 17, 2011 at 4:10 pm
Scott,
I can definitely see how the vanilla may be too overpowering for some, but I tend to like vanilla, so I found it quite enjoyable. As far as my favorite Porter…. probably either Anchor Porter, Alaskan Smoked Porter or Fullers London Porter. Actually, I have too many to name. Haha.
Cheers,
Scott
Anonymous
December 7, 2011 at 12:47 am
I think this is a wonderful porter, a bit different from others and a great taste and finish. One of my local resturants has it on draft and it is wonderful after a long days work!
Anonymous
December 7, 2011 at 12:47 am
I think this is a wonderful porter, a bit different from others and a great taste and finish. One of my local resturants has it on draft and it is wonderful after a long days work!
shrews824
December 7, 2011 at 1:50 pm
Anonymous,
I would LOVE to try that on draft. I bet it is so much better. I agree with you in the fact that the Vanilla Porter has a slight twist to it that I find quite enjoyable. Thanks for reading and commenting. Check back from time to time because I post nearly everyday.
Cheers,
Scott
shrews824
December 7, 2011 at 1:50 pm
Anonymous,
I would LOVE to try that on draft. I bet it is so much better. I agree with you in the fact that the Vanilla Porter has a slight twist to it that I find quite enjoyable. Thanks for reading and commenting. Check back from time to time because I post nearly everyday.
Cheers,
Scott