Mad River Brewing 'Brewer's Secret' Vanilla Porter Aged in Bourbon Barrels. Artisan Reserve Series. 9% abv. 34 IBU. Dark brown color. Finger of beige small-bead foamy head. Excellent retention and lacing. Nose is sweet, warm brown sugar, bourbon, vanilla.
Front taste of bourbon, round oak, rich caramel, strong vanilla on the back end. Aftertaste of bright bourbon, toffee, vanilla ribbon across, wood expression on the sustain. Medium body. Mouthfeel is warm, rich, creamy, boozy.
This is an excellent BBA porter, decadent treat that tastes and feels almost like soft bourbon vanilla ice cream. The bourbon and wood taste is certainly there, as is the promised vanilla throughout. The aroma is sweet and warm, and the taste builds upon the nose with a creamy body that holds the flavors well. My one nitpick is that it's a little thin for a BBA, but it's no dealbreaker. I would gladly open another bottle of this delight. Highly recommended.
From the brewery:
"How could we possibly improve on the excellence of our Steelhead Porter? Age it in Heaven Hill Bourbon barrels, with fresh vanilla beans added of course! This limited edition Porter has complex malt characteristics balanced with a mild hop profile, taken to a whole new level by forward notes of bourbon, oak and vanilla. Smoked and peated malts lend added complexity and a mild smokey flavor that melds perfectly with the southern charms of decadent bourbon flavors."
[source: madriverbrewing.com]
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