Yankee Brew News Archive

New England Brewing Company's Oatmeal Stout

Originally Published: 01/96

Beer: Oatmeal Stout

Brewer: New England Brewing Company

Appearance: Just as it should be for what is basically a dry Irish stout - black opaque, with a creamy, brown head.

Aroma: More of a coffee-like nose than a roasted barley aroma.

Taste: As in the aroma, the coffee notes are stronger than the roasted barley. There's not much of a middle. The taste goes from the initial strong coffee roastiness straight to the roast and hop bitterness in the aftertaste. The body is thin, almost watery. In some ways, it's more like a porter.

Summary: This is a good beer, quite drinkable, but a bit frustrating for a dry stout. There are no faults, but it's a touch unbalanced. Perhaps a bit of tartness would help. It doesn't taste like it has in the past -- it's a smaller beer.

Brewer's Notes: Brewed with a blend of eight malts and grains: English pale, crystal, chocolate, black, wheat, roasted barley, flaked barley, rolled oats. Northern Brewer hops. 13.5 Plato.