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Vanilla Deth

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Vanilla Deth is an imperial stout at 13.5% ABV in which hand-split whole vanilla beans meet vanilla-toasted French oak, giving a silky body, chocolatey caramel maltiness and rich oak. The brewery recommends serving it at cellaring temperature, around 55°F (13°C), so the oak-derived vanilla can rise beyond the aroma. The 2025 edition arrived in October as part of the Deep Wood Series.

ABV
13.5%
Bitterness
Very bitter
Roasted bitterness
SRM
dark40
PaceSipper
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
vanillaoakchocolate
vanilla
oak
chocolate
caramel
malty
roasted
Aroma
Vanilla and oak dominate immediately, the hand-split beans meeting toasted French oak in an integrated, almost woody-vanilla perfume.
also:dark fruit
not found:hoppy,bready,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Vanilla Deth

◎ Appearance

Deep mahogany to near-black, opaque and impenetrable to light. A dense, persistent tan head forms and clings to the glass with strong lacing. The body carries the weight and viscosity expected of a 13.5% ABV imperial stout, with minimal carbonation creating a still, contemplative presence.

deep mahogany-blackopaquedense head retention

◌ Aroma

Vanilla and oak dominate immediately, the hand-split beans meeting toasted French oak in an integrated, almost woody-vanilla perfume. Supporting notes of dark chocolate, caramel, and roasted grain emerge beneath, with subtle hints of coffee and dried fruit. The alcohol warmth sits comfortably in the background, not intrusive, allowing the oak-derived vanilla to rise as the brewery intended.

vanilla-oak forwarddark chocolateroasted graincoffee

◐ Taste

The palate opens with silky, full-bodied richness—vanilla and oak weave throughout the entry and mid-palate without becoming candy-like or artificial. Chocolatey caramel maltiness provides ballast and sweetness, while roasted grain adds depth and mild bitterness. The 65 IBU sits restrained, framing rather than dominating; bitterness is balanced, never harsh, and gradually unfolds through the mid-palate.

silky, full-bodiedvanilla-oak integrationcaramel maltrestrained bitterness

◑ Finish

Long and warming, with vanilla and oak lingering on the palate alongside residual caramel sweetness. The alcohol heat becomes more apparent in the closing moments, building gently without burning, leaving a sophisticated oak-infused aftertaste that invites contemplation.

long finishwarming alcoholoak persistence
89
hopIQ score
Aroma
90
Taste
91
Appearance
87
Finish
86
Serve at 13–16°C

Slightly warmer than you might expect. 10–13°C lets the roasted malt, chocolate and coffee notes open up fully.

Pint glass

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

Can be cellared 2–5 years. Develops dark fruit, leather and port-like complexity with age.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Vanilla Deth

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About Imperial Stout

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Imperial Stout?

Stouts are dark ales with roasted barley character, 4–8% ABV and IBU 25–45. Expect coffee, dark chocolate and toast flavors with a creamy body and dry finish.

Finding a similar Imperial Stout

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

Compare with another beer →Explore all Imperial Stout beers in hopIQ →New to Imperial Stout? Read our guide →Browse United States beers →