Brewers Den Vanilla Porter

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 9 | Overall: 8

Got to try this one on tap during a quick stop at the Brewhouse, while in Phoenix. Poured deep, dark brown with a foamy tan colored head. The aroma has lots of vanilla to it, strong smell but not overdone. The flavor is that of a porter, roasted malt and slightly smokey. But then there is a big vanilla kick. This was exactly the taste I had in mind when I ordered the pint. The vanilla is strong for sure, but I didn't find it overpowering or too sweet/artificial tasting. Might be a little thin, but still creamy smooth. I really enjoyed this one, one of my favorite vanilla flavored beers to date.

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 6 | Mouthfeel: 6 | Flavor: 6 | Overall: 6

Pours with a tan colored head that sits on top of a dark brown, approaching black colored beer. When held up the beer shows a nice, fairly clear, brown color. The aroma is dominated by vanilla notes and it is quite hard to smell anything else at all. The flavor, while dominated by the vanilla notes, has some other flavors that are noticeable. Light notes of toasted grain and a touch of roast character come through, but somehow come off as being washed out and bland. It is interesting that there is a touch more character in the flavor, yet still the vanilla seems to run the show. The aroma is definitely one dimensional, but while some of the traditional Porter flavors come through, they suprisingly just seem to roll over and give up when faced with the vanilla (even though the vanilla is not overwhelming in the flavor department). Not really my thing, I would have liked to see a much stronger Porter presence with the vanilla playing a supporting role.