(Escondido, CA) – Stone Brewing Co. shared some further details on next week’s release of Stone Smoked Porter with Vanilla Bean.

The beer will hit some markets next week but it may take time to make it out to others.

More below via official website…

—

In 2006, almost exactly 10 years after we first released Stone Smoked Porter, Stone Small Batch Brewer Laura Ulrich had a brilliant idea: What if she added whole Madagascar vanilla beans to a small batch of the finished beer? And voilá, Stone Smoked Porter with Vanilla Bean was born! It was an instant hit, as the resulting flavor combinations – rich vanilla melding with the malty, chocolatey, coffee-like characteristics of the beer-were practically made for each other. Originally available only as an occasional growler fill or on tap all-too-briefly at special events or in our restaurant, this exquisite creation was released in a single bottle run for the first time in 2012, much to the delight of its many fans… who instantly began clamoring for more. Your voices have been heard.

You can find Stone Smoked Porter in:
AK, AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KY, KS, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, and WA

Tasting Notes By Brewmaster Mitch Steele

APPEARANCE
Pours deep brown with a rich tan head.

AROMA
A nice blend of vanilla and cocoa, with hints of yeast esters, coffee and smoke. As it warms, the roast character increases.

TASTE
Vanilla starts off and then mid palate the cocoa and smoke come in. The finish has a slight vanilla astringency and a malty fullness.

PALATE
Incredibly balanced and complex, smooth with a slightly dry finish.

OVERALL
Ever since Brewer Laura Ulrich suggested making a cask of Stone Smoked Porter with added Vanilla Beans back in 2006, this beer has been both a fan favorite and a Team Stone favorite, and we’ve brewed many small batches of it over the years. We’re always happy to make more!

Suggested Pairings by “Dr.” Bill Sysak

APPETIZERS
Bacon wrapped dates stuffed with cream cheese, Coconut Shrimp, Sugar Glazed Pecans

SOUPS
Butternut Squash, Sot Suppe (Norwegian sweet soup), New England Clam Chowder

MAIN COURSES
Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Fried Sage and Shaved Chestnuts, Espresso rubbed Filet Mignon, Scallops over vanilla mascarpone mash, Sesame Honey Tempeh

DESSERTS
Maple-Walnut cake, Chocolate Chip cookies, Profiteroles, Pumpkin Pie

CHEESES
Aged Gouda, Lake’s Edge (Vermont Goat), Constant Bliss, Pleasant Ridge Reserve

CIGARS
Paradigm 262, Gurkha Evil, Alonso Menendez
(Basically any cigar with a Brazilian wrapper will impart nice chocolate notes perfect for this beer)