5 Year Anniversary Stout is a 10% ABV imperial stout brewed by Vault Brewing Company (Yardley, PA). This beer was brewed and put on tap and in cans for Vault’s 5th Anniversary in October. The stout is described as a “chocolate-coffee-vanilla-coconut-lactose bourbon barrel aged imperial stout”. Brewed with Vaults’ very own Pretty Bird coffee, cocoa nibs, vanilla, and coconut, it was carbonated less than their normal stouts, to give the beer a rich mouthfeel.
Pouring to a dark black, you’ll notice a decent brown head form in your glass. It was recommended to allow the cans to warm to 45-50°F so the full array of flavors can come out. Aromas of chocolate, vanilla, and roasted coffee are apparent upon first pour.
Tasting this stout brings flavors of liquified chocolate cake. With the minimal carbonation, you get a very rich and silky mouthfeel that makes this feel like dessert and not a beer. We really noticed the pronounced chocolate and coffe flavors, with some of the vanilla and bourbon coming through on the backend. There was just a hint of the coconut, and you definitely can’t tell this is 10% ABV.
