BJCP 2021 / 16B
Oatmeal Stout
A smooth, silky, coffee-and-chocolate stout with a creamy body.
- Any age
- standard strength
- dark color
- top fermented
- british isles
Serve: 48 to 54F, Pint or tulip
OG1.120
1.045 to 1.065FG1.030
1.010 to 1.018IBU120
25 to 40SRM40
22 to 40ABV14%
4.2 to 5.9%Taste it in order
Aroma
12 pts- Coffee, chocolate and a nutty grain note
- Mild roast
- Faint earthy hop
- Vague
- Roasty
- Better
- Coffee and chocolate
- Best
- Moderate coffee and dark chocolate with a nutty grain note, low roast, faint earthy hop
Appearance
3 pts- Dark brown to black
- Opaque to nearly clear at the edges
- Dense tan head
- Vague
- Black
- Better
- Black with tan head
- Best
- Dark brown to black, opaque, thick tan head with excellent retention
Flavor
20 pts- Coffee, chocolate and nutty grain
- Gentle sweetness
- Moderate bitterness, smooth finish
- Vague
- Smooth
- Better
- Coffee and chocolate with a smooth finish
- Best
- Moderate coffee, chocolate and nutty grain flavor, low to moderate sweetness, moderate roast bitterness, smooth medium-dry finish
Mouthfeel
5 pts- Medium to full body
- Medium carbonation
- Silky, almost oily from the oats
- Vague
- Silky
- Better
- Full and silky
- Best
- Medium to full body, silky and rounded, medium carbonation
Overall Impression
10 ptsLifts it
- Silkiness
- Balance
Drops it
- Harsh roast
- Thin body
Writing tip
Feel the texture. Example: 'Silky body with coffee and chocolate and a smooth finish. The oats are evident.'
Pour these
- Oatmeal StoutSamuel Smith'sSilky, smooth and sweet
- Barney Flats Oatmeal StoutAnderson ValleyRich coffee with a smooth finish
- Shakespeare StoutRogue AlesA US take with roast and silkiness
Often confused with
- 16A Sweet StoutSweet Stout is sweeter and less roasted
- 20B American StoutAmerican Stout is more hoppy and bitter
Fine here
- Estery: Light fruit is fine
Ruinous here
- Astringent: Harsh roast
- Oxidized: Stale
- Diacetyl: Butter
Style names, numbers and vital statistics follow the BJCP 2021 beer guidelines. Descriptions and example choices are our own. Check a beer is still made before you hunt for it.