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Category Archives: Mendocino

Review of Mendocino Oatmeal Stout

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

4 Comments

Posted by Beer Apprentice on December 20, 2012 in Country: USA, Mendocino

Review of Mendocino Red Tail Ale

25 May

Today, I am going to be reviewing the Mendocino Red Tail Ale from the Mendocino Brewing Company located in Ukiah, California.

This is a handcrafted American-Style Amber Ale and will be the first beer that I have ever had from this brewery.

By perusing around on their website, mendobrew.com, I discovered that they produce a variety of beers. Basic styles along with Imperials and Oragnics among other things.

I also found a nice little description of the Red Tail.

Red Tail Ale is our flagship brand. It is brewed in the traditional “old world” manner, using premium two-row malted barley, hops and our own special proprietary yeast strain. It is an amber ale with a rich complex refreshing flavor and a crisp dry finish. Like a good wine, Red Tail Ale is a perfect complement to fine dining.

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to give it a pour and a taste.

This brew stands in at 6.1% ABV and comes in a 12 oz. bottle.

The appearance was of a decent little amber/orange color with an off white, soapy head that had some nice size and pretty good retention. The brew was mostly cloudy with some burnt yellow highlights at the bottom. The lacing left behind was ok as it left a few patches on the sides of the glass for me to appreciate.

The aroma had some mild, but sweet smelling caramel malts mingled with an earthy, “peat” type of fragrance. Some fruit notes, of what smelled like peaches, were blended admirably with a low to medium hop whiff. The essence reminded me of an “ESB” to tell the truth. It was balanced pretty well I thought, although it was a bit relaxed and laid back. Nothing bad, just a bit mild.

The taste brought out a sugary, sweet caramel coalesced with a more prevalent hop bitterness and bite than what was found in the nose. The fruitiness was stumbled upon again and welcomed, however I started to detect the slightest bit of grain that overtook the sweetness as the beer warmed and I worked my way down the glass. It was still well rounded and balanced ideally though.

The mouthfeel was medium to light, smooth, mostly crisp and semi-refreshing. It seemed to be somewhat watery actually with not a lot of flavor left on the palate. Oh well. It is what it is.

This beer wasn’t bad!!! It not a world class brew, but it was rather pleasant and enjoyable. The Red Tail is worth a try if you see it, for sure. It’s not overcomplicated or overbearing, although it does have enough individuality for some conversation and contemplation. It made for an easy drink and is almost sessionable at 6.1% ABV. Give it a shot and let me know what you thought of it. I’m going to have to try and find a few more Mendocino brews and see how they stack up before I come to any conclusions on the brewery as a whole….. but the first impression was pleasant enough.

What are some other Mendocino beers that I should try?

Thanks to everyone who reads and comments. I really appreciate it. Have a great day and enjoy a “craft beer” if you have a moment.

Cheers.

Score: 3.45 out of 5
Grade: B-