Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout

[steveh]

The Celebrated, according to the label. 18.7 oz clear bottle. 5.0 ABV.

Poured dark opaque with ruby highlights and a dark tan, chocolate malt colored, thick and firm head that settled to a respectable cap.

Mildly licorice, diacetyl nose with a mellow smokiness. Some vanilla notes present in a sherry-like character.

Roasty, caramel, mellow chocolate, anise/licorice flavors. Roasted malt finish. Vanilla flavors with warming. Tart hops in aftertaste - somewhat vinous in character.

Medium to heavy body with a slick, syrupy mouth-feel - even oily.

I asked my local paint store purveyor why his Young's distributor had been slacking in the Double Chocolate and Oatmeal Stouts department. He jumped into an extemporaneous, persuasive speech on how he'd had a side-by-side tasting of the Smith and Young's oatmeals and liked the Smith better (he never said that's why there was no Young's in his cooler, just blamed the distributor).

Contrary to my feelings about clear bottles sitting under liquor store lighting, I picked up a bottle of the Smith for the first time in a long while. Very similar to what I remember from years past, and good - just not what I wanted in an Oatmeal Stout that night. Not sweet, malty rich - more licorice and oily, and I really remember that vinous tartness as a Smith character. Not a bad drink, mind you - just be prepared for what's coming - highly complex and a somewhat acquired taste.

S.

[chazwicke]

If I remember correctly, Merchant Du Vin, the old importer of Sam Smith Products actually had them create the Oatmeal stout for the American market. It was not part of the regular SS line. Anyone remember hearing about this. For my money, the best SS product is the Taddy Porter.

[steveh]

Originally posted by chazwicke
Merchant Du Vin, the old importer of Sam Smith Products...

They're still the current importers. Not sure about the history of the Oatmeal, but I wouldn't put it past Charlie Finkel. I have a beer book at home that chronicals some of the Merchant DuVin products, have to give it a look.

S.

[chazwicke]

I was in a store yesterday that had some Nitro cans of this beer and I was considering trying them. I've not had one in ages. I decided against buying it or any of the beer there as the shelves were sparce and they we preparing for the annual inventory. I figured these might be old or recently found in the back or something. The store is enroute to and from my Beach place and I often stop on the way. They generally have a very good selection. They are a gourmet shop and handle beers and foods. They have a deli as well but primarily they seem to carry high end kitchen cookware, glassware and dishes. They have lots of very cool stuff.

[steveh]

Originally posted by chazwicke
I was in a store yesterday that had some Nitro cans of this beer

Nitro cans of the Samuel Smith? Never seen Smith in a can, you sure you don't mean the Young's?

S.

[chazwicke]

Yeah it might have been. Come to think of it. The shelves were fairly empty. I figured all that was left was old stuff. We got there just before they closed. (We always use it for a "comfort break" on the drive). I like the store though as the do carry a fairly good assortment of English beers. I saw they had some Harviestoun B & T left. But basically was in and out yesterday. Just took a quick look while waiting on the wife.

[matth76]

I see a couple of Samuel Smith reviews. Will a 'Winter Welcome' review be forthcoming? I've passed on this several times but I've always been curious as I pass it. With a clear bottle and the not-so-dark colored ale, it itrigues me as a winter warmer.

[studentofbeer]

my favorite sammy smiths is always the imperial stout. at 7% doesnt seem as imperial as some of the more wild offerings on this side of the pond, but the flavor is just out of this world good. perhaps the only sam smiths beer i go out of my way to sample. the rest are pretty good, but the clear bottles and semi-high prices generally stear me away from the rest. really tho, i think all their beers are quite good. the oatmeal stout is quite nice, tho i thought i remembered a decent amount of sweetness (maybe it is the licorice, that sounds familiar) and a really nice mouthfeel.

[steveh]

Originally posted by matth76
With a clear bottle and the not-so-dark colored ale, it itrigues me as a winter warmer.

That's what scares me most about Sam Smith brews, I've had some skunky samples in the past. Even though it's a darker beer, I pulled the Oatmeal Stout from the darkest corner of the shelf.

I haven't had the WW in a long time, I'll see if I can find another bottle...from a dark corner of the shelf.

S.

[ray m]

I, too, have long been wanting to try the Winter Welcome. The paint store always has plenty in stock, just have not had the urge to buy a bottle. Looking forward to a review if one is coming in the near future!

[danno]

Steve, I'll agree that the SS oatmeal stout is better than the Young's...

the oily character is from the oats, I've brewed a couple of them and I get an oily film on the top of the kettle when I'm mashing...

mmm, oatmeal stout... I think I have a couple of pints left of my last batch, may be time to pour one...

[steveh]

Originally posted by danno
Steve, I'll agree that the SS oatmeal stout is better than the Young's...

Not sure I really do: Young's Oatmeal Stout (http://www.realbeer.com/discussions/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5200)

And while I say I like the Young's a little better, that's not to discount the Smith at all, it's definitely a good brew - just that I'd pick the Young's first.

AFA those wondering about the Winter Welcome, I can't find it locally. :( Might have to widen the search a little - wonder if it's on tap at the local good-beer-bar these days...

S.

[chazwicke]

That is always a tough choice choosing between two basically equal beers. When in London I think I prefer Fullers beers just slightly over Youngs. I love them all on cask.

[skahtboi]

Originally posted by chazwicke
For my money, the best SS product is the Taddy Porter.

I'll drink to that!!! :D

[skahtboi]

Bought some of the Sam Smith's Winter Welcome straight out of the case this year. It is a very good seasonal.

[steveh]

Originally posted by skahtboi
Bought some of the Sam Smith's Winter Welcome straight out of the case this year.

I found some single, 12 ouncers in the cooler at a local paint store last night. Haven't looked for a date on the label yet, but the cloudy/haziness of the brew has me skeptical...

S.