Bear Republic Oatmeal Wheat Stout

Aroma: 7 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 8

Had a pint of this at O'Brien's tonight -- an offering that was not really hyped by either Tom (who's currently having the time of his life in the U.K. and Belgium) nor OB's dry-erase "what's on tap" board. But it's not bad, and deserves a certian amount of praise, me'thinks.

First of all, this really does not come across as something at or around 9.5%ABV. It's got some girth, that's for sure. But 9.5%ABV? Hmm, interesting! A Strong Stout, that doesn't take a page from it's more popular "wine-er" Imperial Stout cousins....

The wheat in the malt bill is the most noticiable aspect of this beer's character. Kinda throws the stout style a whole new loop, when something that looks dark-and-evil, and is actually pretty dark-and-evil (ABV%-wise), and yet still tastes rather calm and mellow, all-told.

Do the oats in the mash make a difference? Not so sure about that. Might be a little on the thin side if this was nothing more than wheat, wheat, & more wheat, but I'm not really sure how or where the oats come into play with this beer. Some complexity in the malt profile? Yes. But is it from the oats, or simply various grains? No idea.

But I guess it all boils down to "is this good, or not?" Yeah, I guess you could say that. Not bad at all. A little confused and mish-mashed.... but a worthwhile bigger-than-average American Stout, without a doubt.

Recommended.
//TB

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 7 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 7 | Overall: 7

This stout pours with a black body topped by a medium thick, off-white head with some lacing. The aroma is slightly roasty and bitter with a slight sour note and a little sweetness. The flavor is slightly sweet and roasty with a slight sour note and a touch of bitterness in the finish. A little thin for a stout, smooth and dry in the finish.