Porterhouse Brewing Company- Oyster Stout: Oscar Nominated Stout

There are times in our life when we must step out of the box, get out of our comfort zone and try something new.  It is often times much easier said than done but it is a part of living a full and experienced life.  So a while back, at the tender age of 35, I decided to try something new and give theater a try.  Now my first experience wasn’t true theater as it was what is referred to as “reader-theater” which is done in a 1940’s radio production style and I had my script in hand.  That being said I still had to get into character and act the part.  In July I will be in my first full live theater production and to be honest, I’m scared shitless.  Despite the fear, I knew it was something that I just had to try.  Same goes for this next beer.  Again it was a gift beer from my bro Dale at my favorite pub on the planet, Finnegan’s.  This time is was a Porterhouse Brewing Company’s Oyster Stout, yep you read right, an Oyster Stout.  I need to put my fear aside and find out if this brew is an Oscar winning beer or is it the equivalent of the shittious Battlefield Earth??

Porterhouse Brewing Company classifies this brew as an Oyster Stout and their website briefly describes Oyster Stout as, "Brewed with fresh oyster. A smooth drinking aromatic stout with a discernible but unidentifiable aromatic aspect. Not suitable for vegetarians.”  Porterhouse Brewing Company is Ireland’s largest genuine Irish brewery.  Upon further inspection, the label is much more descriptive than the website.  It reads, “This gently flavored stout has a roast malt character, full body and an aromatic character from the Goldings hops, fresh oysters added during the brewing process, lend a discernible yet unidentifiable note.”

Oyster Stout pours a dark chestnut color with a big 2 ½” bubbly light brown head, a roasted malt and chocolate aroma that has a touch of Saltine Cracker smell.  The website states that this brew is 4.8% ABV but the bottle reads 5.2% ABV and it is a bottled conditioned, unpasteurized brew.

Aside from some pretty cool bottle artwork and an even cooler pop-top style bottle cap this is a really good stout.  Yes it is 100% Irish born & brewed and despite the name you should definitely not be afraid of this brew.  The flavor starts as does your typical Irish Dry Stout, roasted malt/chocolate flavor that is dry but where it gets you is that it has a brief, almost salty/saltwater aftertaste.  Surprisingly the finish is better than it sounds; you really need to try this one for yourself.  As Oyster Stout warms from sitting in the glass it develops a bit of malt sweetness to it.  All in all I have to say that I am more than impressed with the performance of Oyster Stout.  If I could give Porterhouse Brewing Company’s Oyster Stout a Hollywood equivalent it would have to be Ireland’s own Liam Neeson and his amazing performance in Taken.  Worthy of an Oscar nod but not quite an Oscar winner.

ABV: 5.2%

Consumed: Nonic Pint Glass

Verdict: Buy A Twelve Pack