Poured as clear as I could tell as it was mostly opaque. Some tan foam filled the glass but retention was very fleeting. Not much lacing either.
Aroma is almost all roasted malt for me (bottle says that was bottled in March, 2010, so it should still be fresh). Some coffee to boot. Vanilla isn't present.
Taste is pretty much the same: roasted malt and some coffee.
For a porter it is a bit thin with an unwelcome over zesty carbonation.
Good intentions don't bring out a good beer. This is an okay beer that I would have again, if I didn't have to pay for it, otherwise I would pass to something else. Enjoy!