Back in late October I had the good fortune to stop in at Tamarack Brewing Co. and sample some of their Vanilla Bourbon Stout.  I predicted it wouldn’t last long enough for me to get back there to enjoy more than just a sample, but I got lucky.  I was able to make a return visit this week and fully dive into this beer.  Served in a snifter glass, this beer was every bit as good, if not better, than I remembered.  The bourbon was a little less strong tham the first go round which might be because I knew what was coming. The overall balance of flavors was excellent. Bourbon hits you right off the bat while the vanilla rises up toward the aftertaste.  While there is no pronounced hop bitterness or hop flavor, there are plenty of IBUs to keep this beer from being syrupy sweet.  High gravity beers are often served in snifter glasses, partly because the high alcohol suggests a much smaller serving is appropriate and partly because the shape of the glass concentrates the wonderful aroma.  This aroma of this one will definitely turn you on, though a full pint just might be in order.