Imperial Raspberry Vanilla Porter Aged In Whiskey-Cask-Finished Port Wine Barrels by Breckenridge Brewery is a fruited and spiced barrel-aged strong porter and is being evaluated as a Specialty Fruit Beer (category 29C in the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Specialty Fruit Beers are fruit beers that have additional special ingredients other than fruit. The ingredients in Specialty Fruit Beers should always have a harmonious balance with the base style. This beer was brewed with raspberries and vanilla and was aged in whiskey barrels then finished in port wine barrels. 

Imperial Raspberry Vanilla Porter pours black in color, is opaque and sports a small tan head. The aroma features moderate vanilla and toasted oak with lighter notes of whiskey and chocolate malt, and just a hint of raspberries and red grape stand out in the aroma. The flavor is moderate chocolate malt with strong, boozy whiskey. The port-aging expresses as sherry notes while providing a little sweetness. The raspberry contrasts the moderate sweetness with its tartness while its fruit flavors complement the red grape flavors. The beer finishes lightly bitter and slightly sweet with moderate alcohol and warmth; flavors that linger in the finish are chocolate malt, whiskey, port wine and a hint of tart raspberry.

Imperial Raspberry Vanilla Porter is a solid, boozy barrel-aged beer. The flavors are abundant, though they are a bit muddled at times. The raspberry is light in the aroma but is present in the flavor, especially with its tartness. The vanilla is complemented by toasted oak in the aroma but both are obscured in the flavor and finish. Regardless, if you are looking for a solid whiskey barrel-aged porter, seek this one out. If spice and fruit beers are your thing, then you may be disappointed.