About This Beer
Kinnegar Winterland Hazelnut Vanilla Stout is a limited seasonal release from Kinnegar Brewing, brewed on the wild north-west coast of Ireland and packed with classic winter flavours. This 7% stout combines roasted malt, toasted hazelnut and smooth vanilla to create a rich, comforting Irish craft beer that feels tailor-made for long, dark evenings. It is an excellent example of how craft beer Ireland continues to evolve, bringing together traditional stout roots with modern, flavour-led twists that work brilliantly in the glass.
At its core, Winterland is still very much a stout: dark, roasty and satisfying, with enough bitterness and structure to keep the sweetness in check. The hazelnut and vanilla sit on top of that base, adding a dessert-like layer of aroma and flavour without overwhelming the beer. If you are used to more traditional Irish stouts and want to try something a little more indulgent, this is a very approachable step into the world of flavoured stouts. For further exploration of this style, you can browse our stout and porter beers and see how different breweries approach dark and roasty recipes.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Deep, almost opaque black with ruby glints at the edges and a thick, creamy tan head that clings to the glass as you drink.
Aroma: Inviting notes of dark chocolate, roasted coffee and toasted malt lead the way, backed up by hazelnut praline, vanilla pod and a hint of caramel sweetness.
Flavour: Layers of cocoa, nutty sweetness and vanilla sit on a backbone of roasted barley and gentle coffee-like bitterness, with a touch of caramel and biscuit giving extra depth before a pleasingly dry, roasty finish.
Mouthfeel: Smooth and medium to full bodied, with soft carbonation and a rounded, warming finish that lingers with chocolate, roast and subtle hazelnut notes.
About the Brewery
Kinnegar Brewing is one of the flagbearers of Irish craft beer, known for its farmhouse spirit, thoughtful recipes and strong Donegal identity. Based near Kinnegar Beach, the brewery has built a reputation for unfiltered, flavourful beers that range from crisp lagers and hop-forward pale ales to farmhouse-style ales and characterful seasonal specials. Their beers are brewed with a focus on balance, drinkability and a sense of place, which has made Kinnegar a favourite among Irish craft beer drinkers who value quality and consistency.
Winterland Hazelnut Vanilla Stout sits within Kinnegar’s tradition of producing distinctive, seasonally appropriate beers that still feel grounded in classic styles. Rather than chasing extreme flavours, they have created a stout where the hazelnut and vanilla enhance the underlying beer instead of masking it. For anyone building a line-up of Irish craft beer for the colder months, it is a lovely option to have alongside more traditional dry stouts and bigger imperial stouts. You can find more independent Irish breweries and limited releases throughout our Irish Craft Beer collection.
Food Pairings
Kinnegar Winterland Hazelnut Vanilla Stout is a brilliant food beer, especially when it comes to desserts and cheese. Its chocolate, hazelnut and vanilla notes make it a natural partner for chocolate fondant, hazelnut torte, tiramisu, brownies, chocolate mousse or even a simple bowl of vanilla ice cream topped with roasted nuts. The roast and bitterness of the stout help to balance sweetness, while the nutty and vanilla character echoes many classic dessert flavours.
It also pairs beautifully with cheese. Try it with mature cheddar, nutty hard cheeses such as Gruyère or Comté, or creamy blue cheeses where the stout’s richness softens the salt and intensity of the cheese. A cheeseboard with figs, toasted nuts and a little dark chocolate can turn one or two cans into an easy but impressive after-dinner spread.
On the savoury side, this Hazelnut Vanilla Stout can stand up to robust dishes and slow-cooked comfort food. Think beef stew, braised short ribs, venison pies or mushroom and root vegetable casseroles, where the beer’s roasted malt and gentle sweetness complement caramelised flavours in the dish. You can also cook with it, using a splash in gravies, stews or a chocolate stout cake to add depth and complexity.
Whether you are pairing it with dessert, cheese or hearty mains, Winterland Hazelnut Vanilla Stout offers enough character to be the star of the show, while still remaining balanced and drinkable.
Browse our Belgian Beer, German Beer, Irish Craft Beer, or Beer Kegs collections to discover even more ways to stock your fridge or home bar, from classic European imports to Irish favourites and larger-format options for gatherings. Shop the best of craft beer Ireland and from around the world online with TheCru.ie or in our Dublin craft beer store, Carry Out Tyrrelstown in Dublin 15