Beer Review: Bitter Chocolate Oatmeal Stout (A.K.A. 12th Anniversary Ale) - Stone Brewing Company

This is black as ink...very impressive. Even when I hold it up to the light, nothing gets through. An aggressive pour into my Stone pint glass yields a thick, muddy head that dies down quickly.

Smells like...cocoa. No surprise at that. Toffee is trying to work it's way into the mix as well.

First taste is quite simple actually...chocolate and oatmeal, as advertised. Subsequently sips reveal a greater depth of sweetness. Ripe plums, toffee, even brandy-like notes. This is very rich. In fact, I'm really taken aback by the sweetness of this...this is definitely a dessert beer. Alcohol heat is discernable...but it does nothing to detract from the pleasure upon my palate.

The body is not so viscous as I would have imagined...I would describe is as slightly north of medium with just enough carbonation. The oatmeal in the mash really makes for a silky-smooth mouth feel. At 9.2% ABV, "drink-ability", I suppose, is in the eye of the individual beer holder. But while it's not difficult for me to finish the bottle, it's rich enough that I likely wouldn't want more than one in a sitting.

Bitter Chocolate Oatmeal Stout turns out to be a pleasantly sweet surprise, though you wouldn't normally associate such a rich and warming beer with summertime. Pair it with chilled Eskimo cookies and crank up the AC for a sweet treat. Better yet, reserve some of the bottle and make a float with vanilla ice cream. Or you could simply just lay it down and cellar it until the the first frosty fall evening.

Whatever you do...just make sure not to pass up on a chance to try it. Highly recommended.

Beer: 12th Anniversary Bitter Chocolate Oatmeal Stout
Brewery: Stone Brewing Co.
Style: Oatmeal Stout
ABV: 9.2%
Serving type: bottle
Serving Size: 22 oz.