Exe valley vanilla stout

Exe Valley Brewery is a small, traditional brewery based in the Exe Valley in Devon — a rural English setting that produces beers with a reassuring unpretentiousness. The Vanilla Stout is one of their more creative offerings, taking the classic British stout style and adding vanilla to create something with extra richness and sweetness. It’s a combination that’s become popular in the craft beer world for good reason: vanilla and roasted malt are natural partners.

Tasting Notes

Exe Valley Vanilla Stout pours a very deep brown to black with a creamy tan head. The nose is rich and inviting — roasted malt, coffee, dark chocolate, and a distinct vanilla sweetness that’s warm rather than artificial. On the palate the vanilla integrates well with the roasted malt character: it adds sweetness and a smooth, creamy quality without overwhelming the stout base. The finish is medium-long, with roast and vanilla lingering pleasantly.

Verdict

Serve at cellar temperature and savour it slowly. Exe Valley Vanilla Stout is a beautifully made, indulgent dark beer that would appeal to anyone who loves stouts but also enjoys the sweeter end of the spectrum. Pairs brilliantly with chocolate cake, vanilla ice cream, or rich desserts generally. A lovely example of a small regional brewery doing something creative with confidence.