Mendocino Brewing Company- Oatmeal Stout: Perfect Brew For Winter II
Friday, April 22, 2011 at 5:42PM | by Jason 
I picked up this brew back in January with every intention of reviewing it and time just happen to slip by. My biggest problem is that I acquire Craft Beer faster than I can drink it and it’s starting to cause marital problems. I have made a personal edict to purchase “NO” Craft Beer in the month of April and try and clear out some inventory. Despite having an amazingly gorgeous week last week weather wise, this week has somehow become winter part II. Yesterday it snowed and today it didn’t get above 37 degrees and has been windy and cold. I typically will not drink the darker brews in the summer so I decided that while the weather is cold again I would try and polish off some of my remaining Stout and Porter inventory. I’ve had good luck with Mendocino Brewing Company in the past and decided that it was time to give their Winter Seasonal, Oatmeal Stout, a try. Hopefully it will take the edge off this cold weather we’ve been getting.
Mendocino Brewing Company classifies this brew as an Oatmeal Stout and their website describes Oatmeal Stout as, “Oatmeal Stout is jet black in color and full-bodied with a rich, creamy, long-lasting head. Robust, with luscious chocolate and coffee flavors, it is balanced with just the right amount of UK Golding hops. Brewed with massive quantities of oats, our Oatmeal Stout is smooth in the extreme. It pairs well with a wide range of hearty, full-flavored foods and delicious desserts. Our Oatmeal Stout is 6.0% alcohol by volume and 100% marvelous!”
Oatmeal Stout pours a midnight black with a ¾” brown head. The aroma is creamy in nature with chocolate, roasted malts, coffee and slight earthy hops.
Once again, Mendocino Brewing Company does not disappoint. Their Oatmeal Stout is a rich and complex stout that will provide a cast of characteristics that will have your taste buds cheering with thunderous applause. The body of this brew is extremely creamy and flavors range from chocolate, roasted malts, coffee with hints of smoke and raisins. I’m blown away with how silky smooth this brew is, it almost goes down too easy and the finish is refreshingly crisp. I’m feeling a lit bit too late with this brew as winter is over and being a Winter Seasonal there is a good chance that you won’t be able to get your hands on this one. Somehow, if you do manage to come across a six pack of this brew, I recommend picking it up and saving it for a cold spring day. If not, I suggest keeping your eyes out next winter as you will want to get your hands on this one as soon as possible.
ABV: 6.0%
Consumed: Nonic Pint Glass
Verdict: Buy A Case
