Empyrean Dark Side Vanilla Porter

Empyrean Dark Side Vanilla Porter, Empyrean Brewing Company, Brewers if Fube Ales and Lagers since 1990, Lincoln, Nebraska.

"Hello Darkness, my old friend. Smooth, dark and roasted with highlights of coffee, chocolate, and vanilla." 14.5 OG. 23 IBU, 5.7% ABV.

Finally available here in Minnesota, though I'm looking back at notes from May or 2003:


Dark, earthy brown color, lighter 'round the sides, with a grand, lasting, creamy head. Aroma: smack-full of vanilla, with some roasty elements, and additional flavors of nuts, cocoa, and more.

It stuff my nose in the glass to further get a feel for it, and then I'm left with a touch of rum...no, rum & coke...no, rum & vanilla coke?

Vanilla feel is dominant on the palate, and while there is some of the bitterness I look for in any good porter, it's lying very low. All other parts of the picture do their job very well, but it's the particular vanilla flavor that this beer is all about, and it never quits. So, if you like vanilla, here you go.