Introduction

Where the sea crashes against the stones of Halifax, a few hundred yards from the spray, there is a brewery making small-batch, handcrafted microbrews with excellent flavour and character. Nine Locks brewing is the work of the O’Hearn brothers and a few good friends, and their selection of classic recipe beers is starting to make another kind of wave. Since 2016 these eastern Canadian lads have been making their beer for beer-lovers and local eateries and the world beyond. Their slate holds the classic lineup: Blonde Ale, Cream Ale, Porter, IPA, Double IPA, and Special Bitter. They have seasonal appearances from fruit-infused Blondes, Double Chocolate Stouts, and Harvest Pumpkin Ale. Uncompromising, unpasteurized, and unfiltered, these are beers as the idea was meant to be created and enjoyed: without pretense. The Vanilla Porter is a seasonal beer with London style. A touch of vanilla elevates the classic coffee, dark chocolate, and roasted barley flavours. Serves well at 10°C and can stay in the cooler for six months.

---

How it looks

Pours nearly opaque, the colour of strong coffee, with low carbonation. A bubbly ring of foam clings to the glass but dissipates slowly.

How it smells

The aroma of vanilla, chocolate, and wafer comes out strong, making anyone with a taste for chocolate wafer cookies start to salivate. Lightly-roasted coffee beans and toasted barley hides in the background of the aroma.

How it tastes

You’d swear you’ve got a vanilla cream coffee in front of you were it not for the roasted barley bringing in a textured quality that no coffee has. Chocolatey but with a touch of bitterness that chops off the flavour from getting too sweet and cloying. Finishes on the palate quickly and with a freshness that leaves you wanting another sip: smooth mouthfeel and almost a minty aftertaste.

Recommended food pairing

Very sweet beer with a lot of coffee to match, this calls for a dessert. Apple crumble with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to match up with the beer.