Breckenridge Vanilla Porter
Traditional Flavor Provides Unexpected Twist to Beer
Vanilla doesn't immediately come to mind when thinking of flavors to combine with beer, but it's surprisingly tasty.
Style: Herb/Spice Beer, American Porter
From: Breckenridge Brewery, Denver CO
The Breckenridge Brewery & Pub first opened in February, 1990, in Breckenridge, Colorado. In 1996, they expanded, and opened a brewing and bottling facility in Denver's Golden Triangle neighborhood. Over the years, they've grown tenfold, to a 30,000 barrel a year producer, and their beers are available in 14 states. Vanilla Porter is brewed with real vanilla beans from Paupau New Guinea and Madagascar, resulting in a distinctive aroma and flavor.
Appearance, Aroma & Taste
The beer pours a deep, clear reddish brown, a little lighter in color than might be expected from a porter. The head is fairly small but dense, and creamy tan. The head doesn't last overly long, but leaves a beautiful lacing clinging to the glass. The aroma is heavily vanilla and very sweet, with a hint of chocolate-y malt hiding underneath.
The flavor, like the aroma, is sweet and richly vanilla. This is definitely not a beer for anyone that doesn't care for vanilla! The roasted malts help temper the sweetness a bit, giving the beer a slightly chocolate undertone. There is little to no hop flavor or bitterness, as is expected, but a nice warming bite from alcohol at the end that helps cut the sweetness.
Vanilla Porter is mildly carbonated, with a thick and creamy mouthfeel. It's a nicely drinkable beer to sip, but may be a little sweet to enjoy as a session beer.
Serving Recommendations
Recommended cellaring temperature for Vanilla Porter is 40 to 45 degrees, or slightly warmer than "refrigerator" temperature. It's best served in a traditional pint glass or tumbler, or in a mug.
Pairing With Food
The sweetness and noticeably vanilla flavor make Breckenridge Vanilla Porter a good choice to serve with variety of foods. The creaminess pairs well with buttery cheeses such as Brie, Gouda, Swiss or Havarti. It's also a nice complement to rich desserts, like chocolate. Vanilla Porter also works well when contrasted with tangy bar-b-que, and like most porters, it stands up to the strong flavors of grilled or smoked meat, especially beef.
For those that prefer to have their beer as dessert and drink it, too, the Breckenridge Brewery website provides a quick and easy recipe.
Breck Brew Vanilla Porter Milkshake
- 4 scoops plain vanilla ice cream
- 1/2 bottle Breck Brew Vanilla Porter
- Combine Vanilla Porter and vanilla ice cream in a blender, and blend until smooth. Serves 1.
Rating
Overall rating: 3.7
Appearance: 3.5 \ Smell: 4.0 \ Taste: 3.5 \ Mouthfeel: 4.0 \ Drinkability: 4.0
