Saranac Vanilla Stout
Review Date
Which do you
prefer, chocolate or vanilla? When I'm asked that question, I always reply,
"beer". I usually get a rather odd look at that answer, but I assure you, I
can explain. You see, with beer I can have both at the same time (and its
beer, which makes it better than either individually anyway). If you don't
believe me, pop open a bottle of Saranac Vanilla Stout and you'll see
what I mean.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
Also From This Brewery
Saranac didn't originate brewing a stout with vanilla flavoring, of course.
Vanilla stouts have been around for a while (I think of memorable ones from
the Hangtown Brewery, Gravity Brewing, and Poor Henry's; Breckenridge and
Magic Hat produce comparable vanilla porters). And while the vanilla in
stouts and porters is usually the genuine article, the chocolate component
isn't; rather, it is imparted from roasted barley and malt.
In any case, Saranac recently introduced this spicy brew as part of their
2008 12 Beers of Winter sampler. Right now, that's the only way to get your
hands on it, and you'll only get 2 bottles at that. Chances are you'll want
more ( I know I do). There's hope, as Saranac often re-releases popular
beers from the sampler as regular selections.
Saranac Vanilla Stout pours to a dark cola-black color with a thick
creamy tan head formation and a delightfully spicy-roasty nose. Watching the
liquid decant from my bottle, I notice that the liquid is not completely
opaque; holding my filled glass to a light source, the brew turns a dark
brownish red rather than black. A thick layer of Brussels lace, tan in
color, clings to the side of my glass as the liquid descends.
A sip reveals a beer a bit thinner in body than I might like, but still
full-bodied enough to please. There's a lot of roastiness here, with hints
of espresso and dark chocolate of the bittersweet sort definitely grabbing
your tongue right away. In fact, the roasted barley character might even
seem a bit harsh, almost like a really roasty Starbucks brew.
I like that, though. That reinforces the chocolate flavors, too. But wait,
aren't we missing something here? Ah yes, the vanilla. It's rather subtle, I
think, but it does come across just after sipping and intensifies a bit into
the finish, where it pokes its head up most noticeably, dancing a jig with
the roasted chocolate and melding with them very nicely. That finish has a
pronounced bitterness, but here more from the roasted barley than hops.
I like this. I think it needs a bit more body and a touch more vanilla, but
I like it all the same. So why not live a little, and pick up one of those
sampler packs still kicking around? You'll be glad you did, for this little
treat alone.
