Beer Review: Vocation Naughty & Nice Coconut Milk Chocolate Imperial Stout
Imperial Stouts have been a staple of the beer world for centuries, originating in the 19th century when they were shipped from Britain to the Russian court of Catherine the Great. Known for their high alcohol content, roasty, full-bodied flavour, and dark, almost black colour, Imperial Stouts have long been a favourite among beer enthusiasts. Today, the tradition of brewing Imperial Stouts continues with the Vocation Naughty & Nice Coconut Milk Chocolate Imperial Stout.
Clocking in at 10% ABV, this beer is a true heavyweight. The can design, like the rest of the beers in the Naughty & Nice selection box, is fantastic, with a slightly more colourful design that sets it apart from the others. Pouring the beer into a glass, it is immediately apparent that this is a different beast from the other beers in the selection. The head is more bubbly and frothy, and the beer is an almost jet-black colour with just the slightest glimmer of light peeking through.
The aroma of the beer is roasty, with a strong hint of coconut that is sure to please those who love this tropical flavour. There is also a subtle sweetness, reminiscent of candied fruit, as well as a strange, but very subtle, citrus freshness. This mix of aromas is reminiscent of the Blue Monkey beer, another coconut-flavoured stout, which has already been reviewed on this channel.
Taking a sip, the first thing that is noticed is the smooth, creamy mouthfeel, which is a good sign for a beer of this size and strength. The coconut flavour is present, but it is not overwhelmingly intense, which is a welcome surprise. Instead, the flavour is subtle, with a nice sweetness that balances the roastiness of the stout. Unfortunately, the coconut flavour does not linger for very long, which is a disappointment for those who love this tropical flavour.
Despite this, the Vocation Naughty & Nice Coconut Milk Chocolate Imperial Stout is a well-crafted beer that is sure to please those who enjoy high-alcohol, full-bodied stouts. The subtler coconut flavour is a nice change of pace from other, more intense coconut stouts, and the creamy mouthfeel makes this beer a great choice for those who want to enjoy a stronger beer without being overwhelmed by the alcohol content.
Overall, this beer is a true head-to-head with the Blue Monkey beer, which was previously reviewed on this channel and is a contender for Beer of the Year. While the two beers are similar in that they are both dark beers with a coconut flavour, they are very different in terms of strength, with the Vocation Naughty & Nice Coconut Milk Chocolate Imperial Stout being a true heavyweight at 10% ABV. Whether or not this beer will live up to its expectations and claim the title of Beer of the Year remains to be seen, but it is certainly a beer that is worth trying for those who enjoy a good stout. Cheers!
Click here for more of my craft beer reviews; https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXU_zeHuB0dR35CbdlRHkiA
