Vache Folle Impérial Milk Stout

◎ Appearance

Deep brown to near-black color with a dense, tan foam head that clings to the glass in fine strands. Clarity is opaque, typical of the style, and the body reads thick and substantial. Carbonation is moderate, releasing a steady stream of fine bubbles.

◌ Aroma

Roasted malt anchors the nose with pronounced coffee and cocoa notes, underpinned by subtle licorice and burnt biscuit. Lactose softens the roast without adding overt sweetness to the aroma. A faint wisp of alcohol warmth emerges at the back, hinting at the beer's 9% ABV.

◐ Taste

The palate opens with bold roasted character and dark chocolate, rounded considerably by lactose-derived creaminess. Mid-palate shows coffee liqueur and cocoa nib complexity against a base of dark brown sugar sweetness. Bitterness is restrained at 27 IBU, arriving as bittersweet chocolate rather than sharp char, allowing the roast and sweet notes to balance harmoniously.

◑ Finish

The finish is long and creamy, with lingering roasted malt and chocolate notes that fade gradually. Alcohol warmth becomes apparent in the throat without harshness, grounding the beer's strength and reinforcing its dessert-like character.