Trillium Pot & Kettle with Vanilla

The Stats
Style: American Porter
ABV: 7.5%
Current Ratings...
- Beer Advocate: 4.25/5
- Untappd: 4.2/5
- RateBeer: 3.76/5

"For this rendition of our signature porter, brewed with oats, we added a heavy dose of vanilla beans. Aromas of cream soda and pungent vanilla are followed by a smooth mouthfeel and flavors conjuring root beer floats, tootsie rolls, and a subtle fudge undertone."

Pours ruby red going in, but sits black in the glass. I got two fingers of almond-colored head.

Coffee from the base porter is strong on the aroma and the vanilla beans also pack quite a punch. I definitely get that cream soda and root beer mentioned in the brwer's description, but I also get brownie batter, fudge, and whipped cream.

That coffee from the nose is the first thing I notice, but it is dark and bitter (not in a bad way). Some more of the fudgy notes contribute rich chocolate and as it warms a subtle caramel flavor emerges. The vanilla comes in the form of cream and maybe even a Cool-Whip taste which makes for a dessert experience. There's a faint nutty quality associated with English Brown Ales and when combined with the chocolate notes, makes for a peanut butter cup taste.

Mouthfeel is full, but not too thick. Some of the more bitter coffee notes tend to linger, but that's not a negative. I found my self gulping this down thanks to the dessert flavors.

Vanilla Pot & Kettle kept its promise with the addition of the vanilla beans and the beer turned into a confectionery experience because of it. It's a great base porter with a creamy addition, but also throws in some serious chocolate to make this a sundae of a beer while staying true to its Porter roots.

Rating
8.9/10