Velvet Merlin - Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

Style of Beer

Oatmeal Stout

ABV

5.5%

Serving

Poured from a bottle into a 14.75 oz stout glass

Atmosphere

Served at home with the original soundtrack of "A Fistful Of Dollars" softly playing on vinyl on a cool winter night.

APPEARANCE

Typical of its style, this oatmeal stout pours a motor-oil black that lets no light through whatsoever. It is topped with a thin, light-tan head that dissipates quickly.

SMELL

The first aroma that hits me is coffee, specifically espresso or another sweet Italian roast. Then I notice cocoa in the nose. Not necessarily chocolate as it doesn't smell as sweet as fully processed chocolate, but strong notes of cocoa beans nonetheless. The nose also has a bit of smokiness in it that I enjoy.

TASTE

Malty sweetness with a rolling taste of oats hits the mouth immediately. The nose is mirrored here as well. It has a nice lingering finish that is dry and delightfully hoppy for an oatmeal stout. Very well-balanced in the taste. Not too sweet but not bitter by any means.

MOUTHFEEL

My favorite part of this beer. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied and exceptionally smooth. There is light carbonation throughout that is, to me, ideal for an oatmeal stout. A lingering stickiness remains for quite a while after taking sips.

OVERALL

For its style, this could be one of the best oatmeal stouts I've had. Great aroma, an even better taste, and ideal mouthfeel make this a beer that I'll be sure to have again next winter.