Vocation Brewery’s Naughty and Nice Caramel Cookie Stout is a beer that lives up to its name, with big caramel and biscuit flavours, draped in a silky milk chocolate stout. The beer is part of Vocation’s Naughty and Nice selection box and comes in at a hefty 8% ABV.
In terms of appearance, the Caramel Cookie Stout has a lighter head compared to its Naughty and Nice counterparts, but has a red tinge to it, which suggests it may be less deep and roasty than the other beers in the box. The aroma is predominantly sweet caramel, with a biscuity malt base that smells very similar to a Twix bar. As you sniff a little longer, you start to pick up hints of vanilla and a prickly boozy heat.
Tasting the beer, the initial impression is of a big and sweet taste that masks the high ABV effectively. The mouthfeel is thick and luscious, but not as thick as the previous two beers from the Naughty and Nice box. The flavour is true to the beer’s description, with big caramel biscuit notes and a silky milk chocolate finish.
While the Caramel Cookie Stout delivers on its promised flavour profiles, some may find it a little lacking in terms of depth, with the lack of a big roastiness often found in stouts. However, it is important to remember that this beer is specifically designed to taste like a caramel biscuit covered in chocolate, and in that respect, it doesn’t disappoint.
The history of stouts can be traced back to the 17th century, when they were originally referred to as ‘stout porters’, and were a stronger version of the popular porter beer style. Over time, the stout style evolved and split into a number of sub-categories, including sweet stouts, dry stouts, and milk stouts. The milk stout, which is characterised by the addition of lactose, a sugar derived from milk, has become particularly popular in recent years.
In conclusion, the Vocation Brewery’s Naughty and Nice Caramel Cookie Stout is a delicious and indulgent beer that is sure to satisfy those with a sweet tooth. While it may not be to everyone’s taste, with its lack of roastiness, it delivers on its promised flavour profiles and is a beer that is well worth trying if you’re looking for a unique and decadent drinking experience.
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