Judge’s Review: 86 Rating – Barrel Aged Pumpkin Oatmeal Stout by Flying Lion Brewing

Autumn Seasonal Beer | Limited Release | USA

By Jim Koebel

Judges Rating: 86.00
Aroma: 20.00
Appearance: 6.00
Flavor: 35.00
Mouthfeel: 9.00
Overall Impression: 16.00

Barrel Aged Pumpkin Oatmeal Stout is a Specialty Autumn Seasonal Beer spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice, brewed by Flying Lion Brewing. It was judged as BJCP Category 30B (Autumn Seasonal Beer). 
Whiskey barrel character is dominant in this beer’s aroma, with vanilla, oak, and ethanol being the primary clues. The ethanol is a bit sharp and is accented by vague autumnal spices. As it warms, the aroma takes on a nice chocolate malt character. This beer is an opaque black color with tan head that falls after a moment, which is expected in a high-ethanol beer. It is interesting to see that, when swirled, this beer does not leave “legs” on the glass and is not as viscous as many other similar examples, which indicates this may be more drinkable and less of a “sipper.”
Ethanol is also a primary flavor, with oak and light autumnal spice. There is a chocolate and roast malt character in the finish, along with mild, herbal hop. The finish is also bitter from both hops and roast. This beer’s texture is silky smooth and creamy. There is substantial warmth from ethanol and a prickly, but not hot, finish.
Overall, while there are a lot of flavors and aromas to pick out in this beer, many are strong and end up competing with one another. Perhaps someone who reads the ingredient list can discern them all, but otherwise there is just a bit too much jammed into this can.