Judge's Review: 96 Rating - Oatmeal Stout by East Brother Beer Co.

Oatmeal Stout by East Brother Beer Co. is an Oatmeal Stout and is being evaluated as an Oatmeal Stout (2015 BJCP Category 16B) offering according to BJCP guidelines. For this style expect a dark and full-bodied ale with roasty malt.

The initial aroma is of roasted malt, nearly chocolate in aroma, alongside fresh leather. Rich and complex, the roasted malt and oatmeal characters dominate the aroma. Dark fruits of prune and dates are evident as are earthy and herbal hops. The rich malt character carries into the flavor and the prunes provide a faint tartness for complexity. Light earthy and herbal hops persist and provide light hop bitterness to complement the oatmeal sweetness. The finish is lightly dry with roast and dark fruits lingering. A medium-full body supports moderate carbonation.

The color is jet black with a large, frothy and tight-bubbled brown head with long persistence. The malt is debittered and allows the dark fruits to present themselves and for the hops to provide character and light bitterness. The oats provide a light underlying creaminess and boosts the body a bit. This is a well-made beer that begs for a paired rich chocolate dessert.