hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

Grandma's Cupboard

Tap to rate

Grandma's Cupboard is an American-style robust imperial porter from Laughing Sun in Bismarck, with hints of smoke and vanilla. It is aged on bourbon oak spirals. The result is a somewhat complex flavor profile that is roasty, with just a hint of smoke and a signature vanilla finish. Despite its dark color, it has a medium body and a smooth finish.

ABV
8.0%
Bitterness
Mild15 IBU
Roasted bitterness
SRM
dark28
PaceSipper
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
What makes this beer itself
MaltHop
vanillaroastedoak
vanilla
roasted
oak
smoky
chocolate
coffee
Aroma
Vanilla emerges as the dominant note, layered with toasted grain and a subtle woodsmoke character.
also:malty,dark fruit
not found:hoppy,caramel,fruity,spicy

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Grandma's Cupboard

◎ Appearance

Deep brown-black in the glass with a density that catches light at the edges. The head forms with modest retention, settling to a thin collar that clings to the rim with fine lacing. Despite the dark color, the beer shows good clarity with minimal suspended matter.

dark brown-blackclear with fine lacingmodest head retention

◌ Aroma

Vanilla emerges as the dominant note, layered with toasted grain and a subtle woodsmoke character. Bourbon oak spirals contribute warm, slightly sweet wood tones without overshadowing the roasted malz foundation. A whisper of dark chocolate grounds the nose, inviting without aggression.

vanilla-forwardtoasted grain, woodsmokebourbon oak, dark chocolate

◐ Taste

The palate opens with robust roasted malz flavors—coffee and cocoa notes build through the mid-palate. Oak presence is restrained but evident, weaving vanilla throughout without dominating. At 15 IBU, bitterness remains soft and integrated, allowing the smooth body to carry the complex profile into a lingering finish.

roasted malz, coffee, cocoavanilla, oak integrationlow bitterness, smooth body

◑ Finish

The aftertaste lingers with a signature vanilla sweetness that persists long after swallowing. A gentle warmth from the 8% ABV surfaces near the end without alcohol burn, leaving the palate dry and satisfied.

vanilla-driven finishwarming alcohol presence
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
80
Taste
78
Appearance
75
Finish
77
Serve at 10–13°C

Serve at 10–13°C. Too cold mutes the roasted complexity that makes a good porter worth drinking slowly.

Pint glass

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

Drink within 6–12 months for best results. Baltic Porters can be aged longer.

+ Sign in to add your tasting note

Food Pairing

What to eat with Grandma's Cupboard

More from Laughing Sun Brewing

19th Amendment Chocolate Berry Stout
701 Lager
701 Lager
American Lager
5.0%·Mild
Find matches →
American Gordic
American Gordic
Stout
6.0%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →
Beach Scooter
Beach Scooter
Fruited Sour
6.0%·Mild
Find matches →
Beers For the Badlands
Black Shox Porter
Black Shox Porter
Porter
5.5%·Strongly bitter
Find matches →
Cloud Commander
Cloud Commander
Hazy IPA
5.0%·Strongly bitter
Find matches →
Droppin' Cones
Droppin' Cones
Double IPA
9.5%·Very bitter
Find matches →

About Imperial Porter

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Imperial Porter?

Porters are dark ales with 4–6.5% ABV and IBU 18–35. Roasted malt brings chocolate, caramel and toffee — medium body with a clean finish.

Finding a similar Imperial Porter

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same vanilla, roasted, oak character as Grandma's Cupboard will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →