Overall Impression
A dark, roasty, full-bodied stout with enough sweetness to support the oat backbone. The sweetness, balance, and oatmeal impression can vary considerably.
Aroma
Mild grainy, roasty, coffee-like character with a light malty sweetness that can give a coffee-and-cream impression. Low to medium-high fruitiness. Medium-low earthy or floral hop aroma optional. A light grainy-nutty oatmeal aroma is optional. Medium-low diacetyl optional but typically absent.
Appearance
Brown to black in color. Thick, creamy, persistent tan- to brown-colored head. Clear, if not opaque.
Flavor
Similar to the aroma, with a mild roasted coffee, milk chocolate, or coffee-and-cream flavor, and low to moderately-high fruitiness. Oats can add a toasty-nutty, grainy, or earthy flavor. Medium bitterness. Medium-sweet to medium-dry finish, which affects the perception of balance. Malty, roasty, nutty aftertaste. Medium-low earthy or floral hop flavor optional. Medium-low diacetyl optional but typically absent.
Mouthfeel
Medium-full to full body, with a smooth, silky, velvety, sometimes an almost oily slickness from the oatmeal. Creamy. Medium to medium-high carbonation. Stronger versions may be lightly warming.
Vital Statistics
- IBU
- 25 - 40
- SRM
- 22 - 40
- ABV
- 4.2% - 5.9%
Commercial Examples
- Anderson Valley Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout
- St-Ambroise Oatmeal Stout