Samuel Smith makes several different styles and all are known for being solid and good, so this one should be no different.
Here’s a snippet from the website, samuelsmithbrewery.co.uk, about the Oatmeal Stout.
Brewed with well water (the original well at the Old Brewery, sunk in 1758, is still in use, with the hard well water being drawn from 85 feet underground); fermented in ‘stone Yorkshire squares’ to create an almost opaque, wonderfully silky and smooth textured ale with a complex medium dry palate and bittersweet finish.
Let’s pour!!!
This beer comes in a 12 oz. bottle and has an ABV of 5.0%.
The appearance was an opaque, dark brown, almost black color with a luscious, tan, thick, flamboyant head. Wonderfully sized with a prolific amount of lacing left behind. A new ring was formed after each sip. Dark, ruby/red highlights were visible only when held directly toward a light source. It looked very nice.
The aroma beget notes of roasted coffee yielding to fragrances of cream and dry oats. A delicate sweetness is detected, most likely from the oats, as well as from an induced milk chocolate tone that blends in perfectly after a few moments. Very nice!!!
Once I took my first sip, some dry, roasted oats began the show as well as a mild, complementary nuttiness. A coffee flavor is inconspicuous at first, but really starts to shine and become more dominant as the beer crosses the palate toward the back of the throat. A silky, smooth milk chocolate feature was more distinguished and forthcoming in the taste also. Only the slightest bit bitter, which let me put full concentration on the rich, robust, malty aspects of the profile. Extremely well balanced, even and really good.
The mouthfeel was medium to medium/full, dry, smooth, creamy, precise and appropriate. As I swallowed, an almost slippery, oily texture was felt, of which I found very delectable. A soothing warmth was felt too even though the ABV is relatively low. The palate is doused with enough flavor to allow me to wait several minutes before I lifted the glass for another gulp. An outstanding mouthfeel with this one for sure.
Wow!!! That’s about all I have to say. Truly an extraordinary Stout. More than satisfactory in all aspects. The aroma and taste were balanced superbly. No one character dominates or outshines the other. I have had several different Sam Smith’s brews and this one could very well be my favorite. This Oatmeal Stout was very easy to drink, thus making it a beer that I could drink for hours on end and be completely enamored by. It could be drunk at any time during the year. It had enough complexity and character that even the most experienced “craft beer” drinker could find enjoyment with it in my opinion. This is a beer that I will be sure to pick up from time to time just so I can drink a well rounded, great, solid beer without any of the pretentiousness that some “Imperials” seem to convey. No question about it, if you have not had the opportunity to try the Samuel Smith’s Oatmeal Stout, don’t hesitate to give it a go. It’s worth it.
What Samuel Smith’s brew is your favorite?
Leave a comment and let me know.
Thanks, again, for reading guys. Have a great Memorial Day weekend and be safe out there.
Score: 4.5 out of 5
Grade: A
Beer Apprentice - Craft Beer News, Reviews, Interviews and Info. 
J3
May 29, 2011 at 4:16 pm
Nice review, I might have to go get me some of this now. I'm intrigued by the oatmeal and chocolate flavoring. Seriously Scott, have you ever considered inquiring at one of these brewing companies to be a taster/reviewer? When I took a tour of the Woodford Reserve disillery back in March our tour guide told us that people who have a strong sense of smell and taste are in high-demand in the industry and that they get rewarded quite well financially.
J3
May 29, 2011 at 4:16 pm
Nice review, I might have to go get me some of this now. I'm intrigued by the oatmeal and chocolate flavoring. Seriously Scott, have you ever considered inquiring at one of these brewing companies to be a taster/reviewer? When I took a tour of the Woodford Reserve disillery back in March our tour guide told us that people who have a strong sense of smell and taste are in high-demand in the industry and that they get rewarded quite well financially.
shrews824
May 29, 2011 at 4:55 pm
J3,
I'm just a novice at tasting brews. I would love to do something like that, but there are so many great tasters out there who can pick out the most minute of details with beers. It's truly amazing what some can find hidden in tastes and smells. I do really appreciate the great compliment though. That means a lot to me. And yes!!!! Go get some of the Sam Smith's Oatmeal Stout. “It's gggoooooooodddd!!!”, as Al Purnell would say.
shrews824
May 29, 2011 at 4:55 pm
J3,
I'm just a novice at tasting brews. I would love to do something like that, but there are so many great tasters out there who can pick out the most minute of details with beers. It's truly amazing what some can find hidden in tastes and smells. I do really appreciate the great compliment though. That means a lot to me. And yes!!!! Go get some of the Sam Smith's Oatmeal Stout. “It's gggoooooooodddd!!!”, as Al Purnell would say.
Skinnybeard
May 30, 2011 at 6:55 pm
One of my favorite beers.
Skinnybeard
May 30, 2011 at 6:55 pm
One of my favorite beers.
shrews824
May 30, 2011 at 9:01 pm
Jay,
Yeah. It really is one of my favorites too. I find myself craving it from time to time. Every time I go to the store, I look at it and think about picking up a few bottles. It's always nice to have a down to earth, solid brew on hand when you need it.
shrews824
May 30, 2011 at 9:01 pm
Jay,
Yeah. It really is one of my favorites too. I find myself craving it from time to time. Every time I go to the store, I look at it and think about picking up a few bottles. It's always nice to have a down to earth, solid brew on hand when you need it.
Sud Savant
June 1, 2011 at 3:12 am
Sam Smith's becomes more and more one of my “go to” breweries for fundamentally nailing the style every time.
Glad you also appreciate this über-solid beer!
Sud Savant
June 1, 2011 at 3:12 am
Sam Smith's becomes more and more one of my “go to” breweries for fundamentally nailing the style every time.
Glad you also appreciate this über-solid beer!
shrews824
June 1, 2011 at 1:15 pm
Sud,
I'm totally amazed at how Sam Smith's can make such great beers that represent each style with such accuracy. As I mentioned in the review, this is probably my favorite of the Sam Smith's brews. When I pick up a four pack it's usually gone pretty quick!!! Haha.
Thanks for reading and commenting. Check back in from time to time because I have several more Sam Smith's to profile. I have the Nut Brown, the Porter and the Pale Ale.
Cheers,
Scott
shrews824
June 1, 2011 at 1:15 pm
Sud,
I'm totally amazed at how Sam Smith's can make such great beers that represent each style with such accuracy. As I mentioned in the review, this is probably my favorite of the Sam Smith's brews. When I pick up a four pack it's usually gone pretty quick!!! Haha.
Thanks for reading and commenting. Check back in from time to time because I have several more Sam Smith's to profile. I have the Nut Brown, the Porter and the Pale Ale.
Cheers,
Scott
Sud Savant
June 4, 2011 at 1:55 pm
Ooo! The Nut Brown! That is probably MY favorite of theirs, though the Oatmeal Stout is not far behind. I'll forward to reading that one.
Sud Savant
June 4, 2011 at 1:55 pm
Ooo! The Nut Brown! That is probably MY favorite of theirs, though the Oatmeal Stout is not far behind. I'll forward to reading that one.
shrews824
June 5, 2011 at 9:38 pm
Sud,
Yeah, man. It's tasty for sure. I'll try to have it posted within the next few weeks.
shrews824
June 5, 2011 at 9:38 pm
Sud,
Yeah, man. It's tasty for sure. I'll try to have it posted within the next few weeks.
Anonymous
July 2, 2011 at 11:07 pm
SS Oatmeal Stout, is the hands down king of Oatmeal stouts. Brilliant!
Anonymous
July 2, 2011 at 11:07 pm
SS Oatmeal Stout, is the hands down king of Oatmeal stouts. Brilliant!
shrews824
July 3, 2011 at 12:33 am
Anonymous,
It's easily the best Oatmeal Stout I've had thus far. I think it would be hard to top. If I happen to find one better I will be sure to post a review. Thanks for reading and commenting. Check back in from time to time and don't hesitate to leave your opinion.
Cheers,
Scott
shrews824
July 3, 2011 at 12:33 am
Anonymous,
It's easily the best Oatmeal Stout I've had thus far. I think it would be hard to top. If I happen to find one better I will be sure to post a review. Thanks for reading and commenting. Check back in from time to time and don't hesitate to leave your opinion.
Cheers,
Scott
Scott-TheBrewClub
August 17, 2011 at 3:00 pm
Great review. One of my favorites as well! Along with their India Ale, Imperial Stout, Taddy Porter….these guys make great beer!
Scott-TheBrewClub
August 17, 2011 at 3:00 pm
Great review. One of my favorites as well! Along with their India Ale, Imperial Stout, Taddy Porter….these guys make great beer!
shrews824
August 17, 2011 at 4:12 pm
Scott,
I love this brewery!!! I can always fall back on Sam Smiths when I just want a great, solid beer. Thanks for the compliment on the review also.
Cheers,
Scott
shrews824
August 17, 2011 at 4:12 pm
Scott,
I love this brewery!!! I can always fall back on Sam Smiths when I just want a great, solid beer. Thanks for the compliment on the review also.
Cheers,
Scott