Great Lakes Brewing Ohio City Oatmeal Stout
To get straight to the point, Great Lakes Brewing Ohio City is a darn good beer — the 5.4% ABV oatmeal stout hits all the right marks for the style. This is a beer that’s been a round for a few years, having won a bronze medal at the 1999 Great American Beer Festival. Unfortunately, I didn’t cross paths with the brew until this past November.
This is the type of stout that nourishes and souths the soul on a cold November afternoon. The fact that the particular afternoon I drank this bottle was warmer than normal didn’t stop me from enjoying its dark depths. The beer is mildly robust with an earthy character, but still has a good balance and drinkable nature. Dark coffee mingles with oats and grain as a light bit of cocoa lingers in the background.
I’ve since purchased this brew a couple of times since this inaugural tasting. And now that it’s really starting to maintain colder temperatures, Ohio City’s roasty nature has been ideal for relaxing after a long day at the office.