Homebrew Review: Oyster Stout
I’m not a homebrewer, but I’ve had enough of my father-in-law’s excellent concoctions to know what’s good and to understand the level of effort it takes in crafting something this tasty. I got this bottle of oyster stout (purportedly 11.2% ABV) from a co-worker the weekend after he hosted a bachelor party. One of the visitors brought down a good number of bottles of this big beer and left a few behind — I was the lucky recipient of one of them.
Now, my co-worker buddy wasn’t entirely sure what all went into this particular beer, but he thought he remembered the guest telling him the alcohol content and that there was some oatmeal within it’s dark depths (as well as the obvious oysters influence). Whatever went into the recipe, the end result is a dangerously drinkable beer that’s packed full of great flavor. I only wish that I had gotten another bottle or two.
Appearance
The beer pours as black as night with a smallish, light brown head that fell to a thin ring.
Aroma
Yup, there’s definitely some oat flake in there along with dark chocolate, roast coffee and a latent saline character in the background. There’s also a touch of licorice, but not a hint of the high alcohol content.
Taste
For a beer as big as this one reportedly is, it’s crazy drinkable — there’s not a hint of any alcohol even as it warms in the galss, though you do start to feel pretty good about half way through. It’s quite decadent and impeccably balanced. Oats and roast coffee arrive first as hints of the ocean, licorice and dark chocolate smoothly join the mix. The beer ends with an appropriate dryness with lingering coffe and oat notes. This beer is robust, earthy and full bodied that smooth on the tongue and dangerously drinkable.
Overall
Some of the best beer that I’ve ever head have been home brewed and this tasty, tasty stout is right up there with them. it’s got a solid earthy character and is certainly one of the smoothest stouts (oyster or otherwise) that I’ve ever had. Like I said in the intro, I just wish I had another bottle or two.
Rating: 4.25/5
