Judge’s Review: 89 Rating – Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout by Samuel Smith’s Brewery

Oatmeal Stout | Year-Round | United Kingdom

By Dan Preston

Judges Rating: 89
Aroma: 21
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 34
Mouthfeel: 10
Overall Impression: 18

Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout by Samuel Smith’s Brewery is, as named, an oatmeal stout that falls under the BJCP 2021 category 16B, oatmeal stout. Although not official, this style has an English and an American varietal, with the latter being a bit more hoppy, less sweet and less fruity. This one, not surprisingly given its location, leans very much into the English category.
This beer pours a very deep walnut brown with a sandy tan head with lacing that follows to the last drop. The aroma is all about the esters from the characteristic Yorkshire yeast, as it is loaded with sweet fruits like plums, dates, black cherries, prunes and raisins. Beyond the fruit there is caramel, coffee and cream, with mild roast and cocoa. It’s like the first slice into a freshly baked Black Forest cake with chocolate and cherries wafting thru the air. The flavor is similar, again with lots of dried fruits, mainly prunes, figs, raisins and dates. The esters lead into plenty of malt with nutty oats, toasted grains and mild roast. Breakfast in a glass, like fruit and nut granola with a latte. It’s creamy and silky smooth, with a medium-full body but avoids being heavy. Very malt- and yeast-forward, but there is a mild earthiness and low bitterness from the hops that gives it a semi-sweet finish. A great example of the style that definitely earns its spot on the BJCP guideline commercial example list.