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Buyer's Guide for Beer Lovers

Stouts and Porters

Twins of the Beer World

Oatmeal Stout

This brew is a variation of sweet stout, with a small proportion of oats used in place of roasted malt, which has the effect of enhancing body and mouthfeel. They were originally brewed by the British in the earlier part of this century, when stouts were thought of as a nutritious part of an everyday diet. After having fallen from favor, the style was revived by the Yorkshire brewer, Samuel Smith, in 1980. They tend to be highly flavorful with a velvety texture and sometimes a hint of sweetness. Oatmeal stouts are now a very popular staple of the U.S. craft brewing scene.

Interpreting the 100-point Scale

Consumers can translate the point score to the following quality bands:

Point Range Quality Band
96-100 points Platinum
90-95 points Gold
85-90 points Silver
80-84 points Bronze
Less than 80 Not Recommended
Legend
  • = Brewpub
  • ABV = Alcohol by volume
  • Date denotes the date on which the beer was tasted

93 Oatmeal Stout, Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery (England). 5% ABV (1/10)
Dark brown color with a copper cast. Complex aromas of banana, fig and carob custard have a hint of Playdoh and follow through on a soft, silky entry to a fruity-yet-dry medium body with tangy cocoa-dusted peach and delicate spice notes. Finishes with a long, dusty, earthy hop kissed finish. Very fruity and food-affined.

90 Shakespeare Stout, Rogue Ales (OR). 6.5% ABV (1/10)
Sweet chocolate-covered peach and nut aromas follow thorough on a rich, supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with great depth and balance finishes with a long, chewy citrus hop fade. Yummy, hoppy style.

90 Oatmeal Stout, Goose Island Brewing Co. (IL). 5.1% ABV (1/09)
Dark brown color with a frothy tan head. Dark raisin toast, oatmeal and cream aromas follow through on a round, silky entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with nice lingering roasted nut and chocolate notes. Excellent oatmeal character shines through in a very drinkable frame.

89 St. Ambroise Oatmeal Stout, McAuslan Brewing Co. (Canada). 5% ABV (12/07)
Rich brown black color with a light brown head. Buttery chocolate maple nut fudge, chocolate cake and grain bread aromas and flavors with a dryish medium-full body and long tangy coffee-accented finish, Great balance and style; serve with cheese.

89 Martello Stout, Garrison Brewing Co. (Canada). 4.8% ABV (1/10)
Dark brown black color with a lacy reddish tan head. Rich aromas of dark chocolate mousse, salted nuts, clay and savory roasted root vegetables follow through on a round, supple entry to a dryish medium body with fine balance and a nicely astringent dark roasted coffee fade.

87 Oatmeal Stout, Breckenridge Brewery (CO). 5.1% ABV (1/10)
Mild aromas of sautéed root vegetables, baker’s chocolate and salty dark roasted nuts follow through on a round, supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body brown sugar and porridge notes. Finishes with a long, dried fruit and nut twang.

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