Southern Tier Oat

Dark oily black with almost no light penetration and practically no head, just a thin uneven tan film. A big sweet nose. Not with the strong chocolate notes I’d have expected, far more interesting than I’d have thought. Sweet oaty goodness, big malt, some alcohol, and definitely something downright vinous. Vanilla and perhaps a suggestion of chocolate lurk beneath stronger anise notes. A thick slick mouthfeel. Not quite syrupy, but very thick, oily? Reasonable CO2. Big sweet imperial stout. Rather close to the Rogue Imperial stout mold. Sweet dark malt, round and refined, balanced by alcohol, huge anise, some obvious roast, and perhaps some piney hops. A bit of that vinous character pops out as well as that hard to put the finger on residual sweetness that I remember from Pumking, distinctive, but I’m not sure what it is. A bit of chocolate, some light vanilla, but it’s clubbed over the head by the rest of the flavor here. Big alcohol, but it really just gives this the feel of an appertitif. Warming took this a lot closer to Rogue’s imperial stout, though this is clearly bigger. When it was cooler, the residual sweetness seemed rounder. A fun journey. A really lovely beer, one I hope to find during my holiday travels! Maybe I’ll stash some in the cellar if I do?

Let’s preface this rating by saying I am not a huge fan of stouts. Man, did I enjoy this beer! It was everything I was looking for this night and more. Thanks to the guys from Craftbeer Radio for the recommendation! Pours, well, BLACK. Blackity-black-black-black. It’s head was darker than most beer is - dark tan (maybe peanut butter). Really great roasty, malty, alcohol-y nose with touches of vanilla and coffee. Tastes were similar with a perceptible alcohol taste nicely enveloped in rich malt, a very good dose of vanilla, some coffee, and just the right amount of bitterness for this taster. This brew is excellent for a nice winter warm-up, or would be great with a cigar. Cheer folks! Mouthfeel - VERY creamy, sticky, chewy. "That’s beootiful - Vut is dat, VELVET?"

Bomber, much thanks to goldtwins. This pours a sticky black with orange-tan head and a nice slow cascade of carbonation. The aroma is raisin, chocolate, molasses, and some berry-like notes that I always get from oats. The flavor is sweet chocolate and mild espresso and first, then a definite oatiness comes in. The grainy quality of the oats is not harsh at all, like I’ve experienced in some other beers. It’s just enough to let you know it’s there, really. The finish is much like rum, with some sweet brown sugar and alcohol. The mouthfeel is quite viscous and coats the mouth, but there’s enough carbonation to keep it from being tar like. Very good beer.

Bottle courtesy of Jerc: Poured a pitch-black color ale with a dark brown foamy head with good retention and some good lacing. Aroma consists of well balance of sweet oatmeal malt with some coffee and bitter roasted malt. Taste is also dominated by a rich creamy texture with some notes of coffee, medium sweet black chocolate and a light bitter ending. I have to admit to being very impressed by this beer that retains some balance while being very extreme.

Black colour with a small light brown head. Malty, bready and dark fruity aroma with a sweet touch of molasses. Flavor is also sweet with notes of bread and fruit. Sweet, light roasted bitter finish.

Very nice aroma of sweet malts and sugary cola. The taste is very malty and oaty. Possibly a bit of bread among the flavors. A taste of licorice and blueberries on the swallow. The alcohol never seems to show itself. Very nice.

11-19-07 bottle.
Initial smell is overwhelmingly full of nail polish remover. Has a sweet malt smell to it - but a strange combo of acentone and marshmallow tones really take over. Black pour with no real head or lacing. Thick and quite heavy on the palate. Unmoving and still - a perfect setting for the heavy alcohol flavors that lurk beneath.

22 oz bottle. 2007 vintage. Pretty thick pour; opaque black in color. Head was light brown with an orange tint and dissipated slowly. Some lace was left behind at the end. Aroma was of chocolate, raisin, subdued sprucy hops, and wet stone. Sweet on the tongue with distinct oat and alcohol flavors accented by chocolate and vanilla frosting notes. There was also a leafy green flavor at the end with something that reminded me of gin. Interesting beer.