Drake's Folly: Well Oil Say!: A Review of Drake's Crude Oatmeal Stout by Erie Brewing Co.

I don't know if you guys hear the Leinenkugel commercials on the radio in your area of the world but their ongoing slogan seems to be "no bitterness in the Chip". Which is referencing Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin and Leiney's moderate stance on the hophead war.

If you're not aware of the term "hophead" it simply refers to those who prefer the heavily hopped IPAs, Double IPAs and other extremely bitter concoctions many microbreweries tend to make their flagship brew. Many of these beers are an acquired taste and tend to draw a striking line of demarcation between love and hate. Yes, craft beer drinkers tend to be drama queens and kings!

Well, I more than moderately agree with Leinenkugel's tepid statement. Bitterness in proportion to other ingredients is fine with me just so long as one doesn't overpower another to its detriment. Which is sort of the case with this oatmeal stout from Erie Brewing Co.

There is such a strong coffee essence in the front end of it that it almost burns the throat as it goes down. Luckily there is copious maltiness, hard and heavy chocolatey-ness and a binding sweet smoke flavor that balances it out despite the searing effect. I started out thinking that this was a great beer but by the bottom of the pint it feels just a bit above average to me and my darkness craving self.

Alcohol by Volume: 6.9%

Degree's Plato: 16

Hop Bitterness IBU's: 19

- Wörtwurst