Top 100 Beers of 2021

#5

97
Vanilla Chai Bourbon Stout
pFriem Family Brewers

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R&D Brewer & Lead Blender Kyle Krause Talks Vanilla Chai Bourbon Stout

Who was responsible for this beer’s recipe?
The idea for this beer was borne from a brainstorming session between my blending partner, Sarah Resnick, and myself. We were tossing around ideas for interesting barrel-aged stout variants, when we both simultaneously messaged each other with the same idea of using chai spices. After working out a few more details, we knew immediately this was going to be our next project.

What sets this beer apart from other examples within the style?
We’re very fortunate to have an amazing spice shop, Arome, right up the road from us in Hood River. We work with them often on special projects, sourcing hard-to-find ingredients, grinding our spices fresh and to our preferred specifications. For this beer, we ran trials on several test blends with varying amounts of the bolder spices such as clove, star anise and green cardamom. Some of these flavors amplify over time in alcohol, so steeping the blends in beer was essential to getting it right.

What makes this beer truly World Class?
We always strive for these specialty beers to be thoughtfully crafted with a subtle hand, while showcasing intriguing yet harmonious flavors. Vanilla Chai Bourbon Stout really encompasses that goal. It’s an interesting concept with unusual ingredients, but underneath, it is a lovingly crafted barrelaged stout that we’re really proud of.

What is your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, mouthfeel, etc.)?
The vanilla character, both from whole beans and extended time in bourbon barrels, really helps keep this beer in balance. It brings a silky and decadent mouthfeel that works to tie the vibrant spices together with the notes of baking chocolate from roasted malts.

How popular is this beer among your faithful fans?
This beer was a one-off exclusive release for our pFriemsters Union Local 541 beer club. We were blown away with the positive response from our members! We’ll definitely have to bring this one back again in the future.

Judge’s Second Opinion

Vanilla Chai Bourbon Stout, at 11% ABV and 70 IBUs, is a monster beer. pFriem seasons it with vanilla and chai spices – ginger, cardamon and cinnamon – and ages it for a year in oak bourbon barrels.

I picked up some chai tea (which I’ve never had) just to get an idea of what chai is all about, and what I found is all deliciously present in this beer. Chai fits like a puzzle piece into every aspect of this wonderful brew.

With my first sip I realized that Vanilla Chai Bourbon Stout called for a cigar. I pulled a Montecristo No. 5 petit corona out of my humidor and headed outside. The Montecristo No. 5 is a short, robust 30-minute cigar that pairs perfectly with this beer. You finish the cigar at about the same time you finish the beer, and the cigar’s hints of cinnamon, lighter roast malt notes and mild nuttiness complement the beer’s flavors exquisitely. The nicotine buzz from the cigar enhances the alcohol lift from the beer – making a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon despite afternoon temperatures in the high 30s where I am.

If I had another bottle, I would try it with a dozen Wellfleet or Totten Inlet Oysters. The saltiness of the oysters would do wonderful things with the beer’s cocoa and caramel notes and malty sweetness. For a cheese I might pick a Widmer 4-Year Aged Cheddar, an orange cheese with a firm taste and smooth texture with a light crystalline crunch from age. It has a creamy, nutty, caramel smell with a light tang and a hint of funk. The rich characterful flavors follow the aromas with nuts and caramel a little in the lead with a mild sharpness, a touch of mushroom and no trace of bitterness. These flavors would pair nicely with the Vanilla Chai Bourbon Stout’s maltiness and spice flavors.

Buy this beer to reward yourself. While you can and should drink pFriem’s Vanilla Chai Bourbon Stout any time of the year, it pairs perfectly with cooler weather, fireplaces and wool garments. It makes a perfect gift for beer-loving friends and serves as an unforgettable companion for special occasions. – Pat Mulloy