Vanilla Sunkiller
Masthead Brewing Company in Cleveland, Ohio, United States 🇺🇸
Stout - Pastry / Flavoured - Imperial Rotating|
Score
7.51
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This monstrous imperial stout has hibernated in Blanton’s, Stagg Jr. and Weller bourbon barrels with a selection of Ugandan, Tanzanian and Sumatran vanilla beans.
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8.4/10
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Appearance 8
Aroma 8
Flavor 8.5
Texture 9
Overall 8.5
Brewery draught, as pictured, 11/25/25.
Round, sweet, rich vanilla seems to outdo the bourbon. Initially, at least. A bit of earthy char and salt with very mild pepper announces the barrel presence and a classic fudge-like malt base supports, with no alcohol noted.
That's a whole hell of a lot of vanilla, which is absolutely delicious and has a great spice/bitter finish. Great chewy texture, not too sweet or syrupy. The bourbon is certainly there but I wish there was a little more of it and a little less vanilla, even if the vanilla is done incredibly well.
Round, sweet, rich vanilla seems to outdo the bourbon. Initially, at least. A bit of earthy char and salt with very mild pepper announces the barrel presence and a classic fudge-like malt base supports, with no alcohol noted.
That's a whole hell of a lot of vanilla, which is absolutely delicious and has a great spice/bitter finish. Great chewy texture, not too sweet or syrupy. The bourbon is certainly there but I wish there was a little more of it and a little less vanilla, even if the vanilla is done incredibly well.
Tried
from Draft
at
Masthead Brewing Co.
on 25 Nov 2025
at 19:45
9.1/10
—
Appearance 9
Aroma 9
Flavor 9
Texture 10
Overall 9
Clear, bright, very dark brown color with a small beige head; aroma of wet wood, fruit comfiture, vanilla; thick palate; intense balanced flavor with a long, medium bitter sweet finish
Tried
from Draft
at
Masthead Brewing Co.
on 09 Nov 2025
at 23:32