St-Ambroise Oatmeal Stout
One of McAuslan's first offerings and a stellar horse in its stable this stout is one worth revisiting often for all types of occasions. It pours a tarlike and deep black with no real highlights emanating from my Duvel Tulip. A rich and generous head of chocolate milk coloured foam garnishes the liquid, not wanting to leave too suddenly. It sticks around for a good spell. The aromas are truly a five... in this bottle anyways. Complexity and harmony in perfect balance from front to back! Firm notes of smoky chocolate malt mingle with aromas of coffee and a tangy fruitiness reminescent of field berries. A softness of hops rounds out the aromas. As the brew warms it unleashes more of its complexity, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg creeping up through the fruit and malt. Flavours are very bold without being overdone, lending a richness and roundedness seldom experienced in stouts. The malt expresses itself right from the start through the charred flavours of the roasted grains and gives the beer a mild sweetness that pairs well with the chocolate notes in mid-taste. Hints of earthy peat follow and complement well the bracing bitterness and well defined hop notes. The entire package is well supported by a rich and slick mouthfeel imparted by the oats. The aftertaste is a harmonious reminder of all that preceeded and begs for another mouthful. This is easily drinkable and I could surely see myself putting back three or four of these in one sitting, but I much prefer sipping this while slowly savouring chunks of dark 70% chocolate. Sant