History of the Beer Style Last year Abita Brewing sponsored a homebrew contest where the winning beer would be brewed as a Select offering. The beer was brewed by Kerry Yoes of Baton Rouge, LA and we have taken that recipe and made this Select beer. Abita’s Select: Imperial Louisiana Oyster Stout Abita Imperial Oyster Stout is made with pale, caramel, roasted and chocolate malts. Oats are also added to give the beer a fuller and sweeter taste. The roasted malts give the beer its dark color as well as its intense flavor and aroma. The flavors of toffee and chocolate are prevalent but not overpowering. The beer is hopped with Willamette hops. Since the beer gets so much flavor from the malts there is not a lot of hop flavor. There is just enough bitterness to complement the sweetness of the malt. Finally, freshly shucked Louisiana oysters are added to the boil. The salt from the oysters gives the beer a more intense aroma and mouthfeel. Food Pairings Imperial Louisiana Oyster Stout is very good with grilled steaks and most red meats. However stouts are best served with sweet desserts, especially ones with chocolate in the recipe. It is also excellent as a stand-alone, after-dinner drink.