4 Hands Madagascar Nitro 4Pk

4 Hands Madagascar Nitro 4Pk is a nitrogen-charged imperial milk stout aged in bourbon barrels with whole Madagascar vanilla beans, bottled at 9.3% ABV. Earning a world-class 98 score on BeerAdvocate from nearly 1,000 ratings, this release from 4 Hands Brewing Company has become one of the most acclaimed barrel-aged stouts in the American craft beer landscape.

Quick Facts: ABV: 9.3%  |  Origin: St. Louis, Missouri, USA  |  Style: Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Milk Stout  |  Brewery: 4 Hands Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

4 Hands Brewing Company was founded in 2011 in St. Louis, Missouri, and has since built a reputation for bold, inventive stouts and barrel-aged releases. Madagascar Nitro starts as an imperial milk stout brewed with lactose, then undergoes extended aging in bourbon barrels alongside whole Madagascar vanilla beans, which infuse layers of natural vanilla character into the rich, dark base. The beer is then packaged with nitrogen rather than standard CO2, producing the signature cascading pour and a dramatically smoother, creamier mouthfeel that distinguishes this version from the standard Madagascar release.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark chocolate and roasted coffee lead the nose, followed by pronounced Madagascar vanilla and a subtle coconut sweetness. Underlying bourbon warmth adds depth without overwhelming the malt backbone.

Taste: The nitrogen pour delivers an impossibly silky entry of sweet chocolate and marshmallow. At mid-palate, vanilla bean intensity builds alongside rich caramel and hints of toasted nut, all supported by the lactose-driven body. Bourbon character weaves throughout, lending oak and light spice without harsh alcohol heat despite the 9.3% ABV.

Finish: A moderate-to-long finish reveals roasty char and lingering dark chocolate bitterness that balances the sweetness. Vanilla and bourbon oak fade slowly, leaving a warming, dessert-like impression.

How to Drink Madagascar Nitro

Pour hard into a tulip glass or snifter to activate the nitrogen cascade — this aggressive pour is essential to achieving the full creamy head and velvety texture. Serve at cellar temperature (50–55°F) to let the vanilla and bourbon barrel character fully express. Madagascar Nitro is best enjoyed on its own as a standalone sipper rather than as a cocktail ingredient; its complexity and nitrogen-driven texture reward undivided attention.

Best For

• Gifting a craft beer enthusiast who appreciates barrel-aged stouts
• Dessert course replacement at a dinner party
• Sharing among friends during cold-weather gatherings
• Adding to a curated tasting flight of bourbon barrel-aged imperial stouts

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Madagascar Nitro taste like? Madagascar Nitro delivers rich layers of dark chocolate, Madagascar vanilla, and marshmallow sweetness over a creamy, nitrogen-smoothed imperial milk stout base. Bourbon barrel aging adds oak, caramel, and gentle warmth throughout.

How does Madagascar Nitro compare to Goose Island Bourbon County Vanilla Rye? Both are highly regarded bourbon barrel-aged stouts featuring prominent vanilla, but Madagascar Nitro leans into its nitrogen-driven creaminess and lactose sweetness at 9.3% ABV, while Bourbon County Vanilla Rye typically runs higher in ABV and incorporates rye barrel spice. Some reviewers have described Madagascar Nitro as on par with the Bourbon County Vanilla Rye in overall quality.

Is Madagascar Nitro good for sipping neat? Madagascar Nitro is built for slow, contemplative sipping — the nitrogen-charged texture and layered vanilla and bourbon barrel flavors unfold best when poured hard into a glass and savored at a relaxed pace.

Where is Madagascar Nitro made? Madagascar Nitro is brewed by 4 Hands Brewing Company in St. Louis, Missouri, a craft brewery founded in 2011 that has become known for its bold barrel-aged stout program.

What foods pair well with Madagascar Nitro? Dark chocolate truffles complement the beer's cocoa intensity; vanilla bean crème brûlée echoes its Madagascar vanilla character; smoked brisket stands up to the rich body; salted caramel brownies mirror the sweet-and-toasty bourbon barrel notes; aged Gouda's caramel-like depth matches the stout's malt complexity.

What sizes does Madagascar Nitro come in? Madagascar Nitro is commonly available in a 4-pack of cans, the standard retail format for this release.

Is Madagascar Nitro worth the price? Madagascar Nitro positions as a premium craft release within the bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout category, and its world-class 98 BeerAdvocate score places it among the highest-rated beers in its style, making it a strong value relative to comparably acclaimed barrel-aged stouts.

Why Madagascar Nitro?

A 98 BeerAdvocate score places Madagascar Nitro in rare company — ranked among the top barrel-aged stouts in the world by nearly 1,000 independent reviewers. The combination of bourbon barrel aging, whole Madagascar vanilla beans, and nitrogen packaging creates a textural and flavor experience that few competitors replicate in a take-home format. Where many barrel-aged imperial stouts rely on sheer intensity, this release balances its 9.3% ABV with lactose sweetness and nitrogen-smoothed drinkability. For anyone serious about imperial stouts, this 4 Hands release is a benchmark worth seeking out.