Vanilla Villain
Vanilla Villain is a bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout built around one ingredient. The 2026 edition uses three species of the bean from fourteen growing regions, among them Madagascar, Uganda and Papua New Guinea. First released in 2020, it has come back in several editions and a double-barrelled Reserve version. Bourbon, dark chocolate and roasted malt meet a broad vanilla note that reads creamy and floral at once, carried by a velvety, full body and a sweet, warming finish.
Tasting Notes
AI-generated sensory profile for Vanilla Villain
Slightly warmer than you might expect. 10–13°C lets the roasted malt, chocolate and coffee notes open up fully.
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.
More from The Bruery
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, chocolate, full-bodied character as Vanilla Villain will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.
