Hi guys. For today’s craft beer review I’m going to be sharing with you my tasting experience of the Mendocino Oatmeal Stout produced by the Mendocino Brewing Company located in Ukiah, California.
It’s been forever since I’ve had a brew from the Mendocino Brewing Company and, to tell the truth, I have only had two or three all together, so I’m interested in seeing how this brew tastes.
The website, mendobrew.com, had this bit of info regarding this seasonal Oatmeal Stout.
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!
Sounds good enough to me. Let’s pour.
This beer came in a 12 oz. bottle and it had an ABV of 6.0%.
It poured black with a few traces of ruby showing through middle and around the edges of the liquid. The crown was very small, tan, smooth and creamy. It didn’t stick around too long nor did it leave much lacing behind once it dissipated and I sipped.
The nose was fairly light. I was able to pick up on some chocolate and coffee notes as well as some roasted grains and toasted breads. I even noticed a bit of nuttiness and, of course, a light fragrance of oatmeal. Deep within the aroma I also detected a slight whiff of sorghum. Overall, it was balanced well, however just a bit more relaxed than what I had anticipated.
The taste was a touch better and more forthcoming. The chocolate seemed richer and the coffee more robust. Some nice earthy undertones helped create a “round” savor. More of the creamy oatmeal, toasted breads and even more of that sorghum flavoring. It actually became quite sugary and sweet as I went along. Not bad at all.
The mouthfeel was medium bodied. Smooth, mostly slick, creamy and chewy without being thick and viscous. The carbonation was on the lower side and a decent amount of flavor was left behind on the palate after each gulp.
This beer wasn’t bad. It’s not going to blow anyone away or anything, but it’s worth a try especially if you favor Oatmeal Stouts (of which I do). It was very easy going and the drinkability was very good. It goes super well with the cooler months of Winter for sure. I think it could be enjoyed by a wide range of craft beer drinkers and it would be especially tempting for someone who may not have a whole lot of experience with Stouts. So, the next time you see the Mendocino Oatmeal Stout, pick it up and give it a try. You may be happy that you did.
Thanks for reading and commenting everyone. I really appreciate it.
Until next time. Cheers.
Score: 3.65 out of 5
Grade: B
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JCMatt
December 20, 2012 at 8:55 pm
Nice review. I've only tried Mendocino beers once–don't remember it too well. If I see it around I'll give this one a try.
JCMatt
December 20, 2012 at 8:55 pm
Nice review. I've only tried Mendocino beers once–don't remember it too well. If I see it around I'll give this one a try.
Scott Shrewsberry
December 21, 2012 at 1:51 pm
JCMatt,
Thanks for reading and commenting. I really appreciate that.
Thanks for the nice compliment too.
Definitely give this brew a try and tell me what you thought about it. I'm always interested in hearing a second opinion.
Check back from time to time and feel free to leave a comment. I post regularly.
Cheers,
Scott
Scott Shrewsberry
December 21, 2012 at 1:51 pm
JCMatt,
Thanks for reading and commenting. I really appreciate that.
Thanks for the nice compliment too.
Definitely give this brew a try and tell me what you thought about it. I'm always interested in hearing a second opinion.
Check back from time to time and feel free to leave a comment. I post regularly.
Cheers,
Scott