Image
Stone Smoked Porter w/Vanilla Bean close-up
Image
Stone Smoked Porter w/Vanilla Bean close-up

Stone Smoked Porter w/Vanilla Bean

STYLE
Porter
ABV
5.9%
IBUs
53

In 2006, almost exactly 10 years after we first released Stone Smoked Porter, Stone Small Batch Brewer Laura Ulrich had a brilliant idea: What if she added whole Madagascar vanilla beans to a small batch of the finished beer? And voilà, Stone Smoked Porter w/Vanilla Bean was born! It was an instant hit, as the resulting flavor combinations—rich vanilla melding with the malty, chocolaty, coffee-like characteristics of the beer—were practically made for each other. Originally available only as an occasional growler fill or on tap all-too-briefly at special events or in our restaurant, this exquisite creation was released in a single bottle run for the first time in 2012, much to the delight of its many fans…who instantly began clamoring for more. Your voices have been heard.

ABOUT THIS BEER

Release Date
June 1, 2012

NATIONAL DISTRIBUTION

AVAILABLE
NOT AVAILABLE
AVAILABLE
NOT AVAILABLE

Tasting Notes

Appearance
Pours deep brown with a rich tan head.
Aroma
A nice blend of vanilla and cocoa, with hints of yeast esters, coffee and smoke. As it warms, the roast character increases.
Taste
Vanilla starts off, and then midpalate the cocoa and smoke come in. The finish has a slight vanilla astringency and a malty fullness.
Palate
Incredibly balanced and complex; smooth with a slightly dry finish.
Overall
Ever since Small Batch Brewer Laura Ulrich suggested making a cask of Stone Smoked Porter with added vanilla beans back in 2006, this beer has been both a fan favorite and a Team Stone favorite. We’ve brewed many small batches of it over the years, and we’re always happy to make more!
Provided by
Mitch Steele
,
Brewmaster

Pairing Notes

Appetizers
Bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with cream cheese, coconut shrimp, sugar-glazed pecans
Soups
Butternut squash soup, New England clam chowder
Entrées
Espresso-rubbed filet mignon, scallops over vanilla mascarpone mash, sesame-honey tempeh
Cheeses
Aged Gouda, Lake’s Edge (Vermont Goat), Constant Bliss, Pleasant Ridge Reserve
Desserts
Maple-walnut cake, chocolate chip cookies, profiteroles, pumpkin pie
Cigars
Paradigm 262, Gurkha Evil, Alonso Menendez (any cigar with a Brazilian wrapper will impart nice chocolate notes perfect for this beer)
Provided by
"Dr." Bill Sysak
,
Craft Beer Ambassador