Review: Trader Joe’s Chocolate Vanilla Imperial Cream Stout – Smooth, Rich, and Surprisingly Potent
If you’re looking for a stout that doubles as a dessert—and maybe a whole nightcap—Trader Joe’s has delivered quite the contender with their Chocolate Vanilla Imperial Cream Stout. This limited-edition brew, made with cocoa nibs and vanilla beans, clocks in at a formidable 9.2% ABV, packed into a generous 16-ounce can that, quite frankly, could make you feel like you just had two (or three) regular beers. But let’s talk about what actually hits the taste buds.
First Impressions: Rich, Dark, and Decadent
From the moment you pop open the can, you’re hit with an unmistakably chocolatey aroma. It’s deep, almost like smelling a dark chocolate truffle, with hints of roasted malt mingling in there for a pleasantly earthy balance. The pour is nearly pitch black, with a tan head that lingers, hinting at the stout’s thick, creamy mouthfeel. This isn’t a light, easy-drinking beer—Trader Joe’s wants you to know you’re in for something indulgent.
Flavor Profile: A Dessert in a Can?
As soon as it touches your tongue, you get a wave of dark chocolate, rich and slightly bitter, balanced out by a soft sweetness from the vanilla beans. The vanilla adds a creamy roundness, giving each sip a velvety texture that feels like it could double as a dessert if you’re so inclined. It’s almost like they melted a chocolate bar into the beer and then threw in a dash of vanilla for good measure. The cocoa nibs give the stout a nice depth, adding a touch of bitterness to balance the sweetness, so it doesn’t feel like you’re drinking a milkshake.
Mouthfeel: Smooth and Full-Bodied
Now, the texture is where this beer truly shines. It’s got a thick, luxurious mouthfeel that coats the palate with each sip, leaving a lingering warmth that feels just right for cooler nights. There’s a richness here that’s incredibly satisfying, even if you’re only taking small sips. Smooth doesn’t even begin to cover it—this is creamy to the max, making it a dream for stout lovers.
Warning: It Packs a Punch
Now, at 9.2% ABV, don’t let the dessert-like flavors fool you into thinking this is a “light treat.” This is a one-and-done kind of beer, especially with a 16-ounce can in hand. Even if you’re a stout fan who can handle the heavier stuff, it doesn’t take much to feel the effects of this Imperial-style stout. Halfway through the can, you might already start to feel the warm glow of the alcohol, and by the end, well, let’s just say you won’t need another.
The Verdict: Worth Trying?
If you’re in the mood for a beer that’s rich, chocolatey, and just a little bit boozy, Trader Joe’s Chocolate Vanilla Imperial Cream Stout could be a real treat. It’s smooth, intense, and satisfying—definitely more of a slow sipper than something you’d drink to quench your thirst. But if you’re looking for a brew that can be both your drink and dessert, this one’s a winner. Just maybe keep it to one can unless you’re ready for a serious buzz!
It comes in at about $3.75 per 16 ounce can, but prices may vary depending on what state you live in and not every state sells beer and wine at their Trader Joe’s
