Madagascar 2025: The return of 4 Hands’ imperial milk stout

For fans of barrel-aged beer, February has become synonymous with one name: Madagascar. Since its debut in 2014, this imperial milk stout from 4 Hands Brewing Co. has captivated beer enthusiasts with its rich, velvety texture and premium Madagascar vanilla beans. Now, the brewery is set to host its annual release party once again, with new variants and the revival of an in-person celebration.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 15, 2025, as the Madagascar Release Party and Bottle Share kicks off at the 4 Hands Brewery & Tasting Room. Doors open at 10 a.m., offering fans a chance to enjoy this year’s lineup of Madagascar and its inventive variants, all served in 16-ounce cans.

The secret behind 4 Hands Brewing’s Madagascar success

Madagascar is no ordinary imperial milk stout. Aged in freshly emptied bourbon barrels and infused with whole Madagascar vanilla beans, it’s known for its inky black hue and luxurious flavor profile. Kevin Lemp, founder of 4 Hands Brewing Co., reflected on its humble beginnings:

“Brewed annually since 2014, the original Madagascar release was a small batch, single-barrel collaboration with Schnucks Markets Des Peres to celebrate their 75th anniversary. The process we used back then is still the foundation of every batch today,” Lemp said. “We source the very best vanilla in the world and hand-cut every bean to maximize the intense flavor imparted by the Madagascar vanilla.”

What began as a one-off brew has evolved into one of the most sought-after barrel-aged releases in St. Louis, drawing fans from across the region to celebrate its arrival each February.

2025 Madagascar variants

This year’s release features a lineup designed to push the boundaries of flavor while staying true to Madagascar’s roots. Fans can look forward to these unique creations:

Madagascar: The classic imperial milk stout aged in bourbon barrels with whole Madagascar vanilla beans (9.3% ABV).
Madagascar Orange & Chocolate: A blend of Madagascar vanilla beans, sweet orange, and cacao nibs (9.3% ABV).
Madagascar Raspberry Truffle: Infused with Madagascar vanilla beans and loads of raspberries (9.3% ABV).
Madagascar Salted Peanut Macaron: A decadent mix of Madagascar vanilla beans, sea salt, peanuts, and almonds (9.3% ABV).

All variants will be available on draft at the 4 Hands Brewery & Tasting Room, with a special cask featuring a creative twist: Madagascar blended with a soft drink boasting 23 proprietary flavors.

A decade of tradition

The return of the in-person release party marks a revival of a beloved tradition for 4 Hands Brewing Co. Located at 1220 S. 8th Street in LaSalle Park, the brewery will transform into a hub of activity, complete with draft pours, bottle shares, and food specials from Peacemaker Lobster & Crab Co..

This year’s celebration is more than just a release—it’s a testament to the enduring appeal of Madagascar and its variants, which continue to set the standard for barrel-aged stouts in St. Louis and beyond.

Stay tuned for pricing and per-person limits as February 15 approaches. Until then, get ready to savor the history, innovation, and craft that make Madagascar a true St. Louis icon.

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