Vault City Brewing Instant Spark

Name: Vault City Brewing Instant Spark
Brand: Beer
SKU: 697b3e5e1603dad072190616
Rating: 4.06 (32 reviews)

Imperial Stout 12 º

Vault City Brewing

This Imperial Stout presents a decadent fusion of dark chocolate and vibrant fruit. A complex grist featuring Pale and Biscuit malts provides a toasty foundation, while Crystal DRC adds deep caramel complexity. The infusion of Caraffa Special III and Chocolate Wheat delivers intense cocoa and roasted notes that spark against the tangy brightness of real raspberries. The addition of Oats and wheat ensures a luscious, heavy texture that carries the 12% ABV with elegance. Balanced by the creamy sweetness of lactose, this beer offers a harmonious interplay between rich dessert-like depths and sharp berry acidity, creating a sophisticated and indulgent sensory experience.

Appearance. Jet black and completely opaque (40+ SRM). It pours with a thick, dark brown head that shows moderate retention, leaving oily legs on the glass as it swirls due to high viscosity.

Aroma. High intensity aroma dominated by dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and roasted grain from the Chocolate Wheat and Caraffa Special III. A sharp, tangy raspberry fruitiness cuts through the richness, supported by toasted biscuit and dark caramel notes from the Crystal DRC. Smooth, vinous alcohol is present but well-integrated.

Taste. The initial impression is an explosion of bittersweet dark chocolate and jammy raspberries. Deep roasted flavors and black coffee notes emerge mid-palate, supported by a bready, toasted malt backbone. The bitterness is firm but masked by the significant residual sweetness from the lactose and specialty malts. The finish is long and warming, with lingering notes of berry skins and cocoa.

Mouthfeel. Full-bodied and exceptionally chewy with a velvety, luscious texture enhanced by the addition of Oats and wheat. Carbonation is low to moderate. A significant but smooth alcohol warmth provides a comforting glow without being solventy or hot.

Sensory Profile.