Modern Times Beer has long been celebrated as one of California’s most inventive and boundary-pushing craft breweries, and Loyal Subjects + Vanilla stands as one of their most coveted releases. This exceptional imperial stout — rich, opulent, and layered with intention — represents the kind of meticulous barrel-aged craftsmanship that collectors and connoisseurs seek out with purpose. Brewed in San Diego and finished with a generous addition of whole vanilla beans, this is a beer that blurs the line between a contemplative sipper and a genuine sensory experience.
A Study in Depth and Complexity
Loyal Subjects is Modern Times’ flagship barrel-aged imperial stout program, renowned for its rotating and collaborative variants. The base beer is aged in bourbon barrels, allowing the wood to impart deep notes of oak. Also caramel, and toasted grain before vanilla is introduced to soften and elevate the profile. The result is a beer of remarkable harmony — bold yet approachable, intense yet inviting. The vanilla integration is seamless, never synthetic, lending a warmth that complements the natural sweetness of the stout rather than overpowering it.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Deep obsidian with a thin tan head and remarkable viscosity
- Aroma: Roasted cacao, Madagascar vanilla, coconut, dark dried fruit, and hints of bourbon-soaked oak
- Palate: Silky and full-bodied with flavors of bittersweet chocolate, crème brûlée, espresso, and a gentle bourbon warmth
- Finish: Long, smooth, and luxuriously sweet with lingering vanilla and toasted malt
A Rare Find for the Discerning Collector
Barrel-aged releases from Modern Times are produced in strictly limited quantities and rarely travel far from their California origins, making each bottle that reaches European shelves genuinely exceptional. With an ABV that commands respect and a complexity that rewards patience. Then this is a beer best shared on a cold evening or cellared for a special occasion.
Wines & Spirits SA is proud to offer this rare California gem to Swiss enthusiasts. Available at CHF 35, Loyal Subjects + Vanilla represents outstanding value for a barrel-aged imperial stout of this calibre. Then an unmissable addition to any serious craft collection.




