It wouldn't be Christmas without a bit of indulgence, would it? Vault City clearly agree, because this year they've treated us to not one, but two festive stouts. There's the 6% Mini Crunch, think a smooth, drinkable Crunchie bar, and this beauty; the Vault City Toffee Nut Latte Imperial Stout, a whopping 11% ABV of sheer luxury.
Now, Vault City are famous for their fruited sours, but every now and then they take a wander into darker territory, and when they do, it's usually something special. This one set me back £5.50 for a 330ml can; not cheap, but as soon as I took the first sip, I knew it was worth every penny.
I don't give 10 out of 10 lightly, in fact I can be a bit stingy on them!, but this beer deserves it. It's rich, it's clever, and it's absolutely delicious.
Look
Pouring it, you know you're in for something serious. It's jet black, the kind of black that absorbs the light, with just a thin tan head that quickly settles into a soft ring. There's a little oily shimmer across the top, like a pint that knows it's got nothing to prove.
Aroma
Straight away, you get that rich, toffee sweetness that fills the air. There's dark chocolate underneath, and a hint of roasted malt giving it depth. Then there's the nuttiness, subtle but present, like the smell of a warm coffee shop at Christmas; sweet syrups, roasted beans, and just a bit of festive comfort.
Taste
Been looking forward to this, so here are my Vault City Toffee Nut Latte tasting notes.
You can easily see where this Imperial Stout really shines.
The first sip gives you big toffee flavours, but they're held in check by a mild roasty backbone that keeps the sweetness in line. There's a definite espresso character running through it, along with dark chocolate, a touch of vanilla, and those gentle nutty undertones that make it feel like a proper toffee nut latte.
It's full-bodied, rich, and smooth, with a little warmth from the alcohol that works beautifully in a winter beer. You get that lovely balance, sweetness versus roast, boozy versus smooth – and it all feels perfectly judged.
The finish goes on and on; sweet, roasty, and chocolatey, with that lingering toffee character and a gentle warmth that stays with you. It's the sort of beer that makes you want to slow down and just enjoy it.
Verdict
I'll buy this again!
If you like your Christmas beers to feel like a treat, this one's for you. It's indulgent, comforting, and yet still well-structured, not just a sugar bomb, it moves close to the edge then pull back a little, It is a proper stout with balance and depth.
Vault City have got this one absolutely right. It's festive without being silly, rich without being over the top, and so well made that you can't help but appreciate the craft behind it.
I'd go as far as to say it's one of the best stouts I've had this year. Perfect for a cold evening, maybe with the Christmas lights twinkling in the background and something daft on the telly.
A solid 10/10 from me, and one I'll be talking about for a long time.
Final Thoughts
Yes, it's £5.50 a can, but you're getting something that feels genuinely special. It's not a beer you neck down; it's one you take your time with, sip by sip, and enjoy every bit of it.
Vault City might be known for their sours, but with beers like this, they've shown they can brew something dark, strong, and beautifully put together.
Vault City Toffee Nut Latte Imperial Stout – 10/10
A perfect Christmas beer; rich, boozy, smooth, and utterly gorgeous.
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