Stone Bitter Chocolate Oatmeal Stout

Stone Bitter Chocolate Oatmeal Stout

Serving Type: 22oz Bomber
Style: Stout
ABV: 9.2%

Pours Black, like motor oil. I poured it pretty vigorously and there is little to no foamy head to speak of. The aroma of this brew strikes me as more vanilla-ey than chocolate inspired. Smells almost faintly sweet.

First sip is a blast of creamy smoothness that coats my mouth in the flavors of this beer. Creamy malty delicousness. The chocolate flavor mixes in well with the main malty flavors, and leaves a nice mellow bitter flavor at the end. Just like any good semi-sweet chocolate. There is also an almost bourbon heat that lingers along with the bitterness, which reminds you of the potent ABV of this beast.

As strong as all the flavors are in this brew, they all balance each other very well. The sweet maltiness and chocolate flavor contrasts well with the bitterness and heat at the end. I wish I had a better grasp of all the complex flavors that I'm tasting here, because I know there is something I'm missing in there. Maybe some subtle coffee notes. Mmmm, this beer is so good...

There is still a nice heat in the back of my throat even a few minutes after taking a sip. As I look down my glass while sipping, I can see that the brew has a hard time letting go from the side of the glass. I think wine afficianatos would say that this means it's got a high alcohol content, which it does. After drinking most of the bomber I would reccomend that you split this with a friend, as I'm having a bit of trouble finishing this one on my own.

Final Grade: A-
-Really complex and delicious strong stout. The more you sip at this beer the more flavors you discover. May be a bit too much to those who aren't used to high gravity dark beer, but it's right up my alley. High marks for flavor.