Switchback Brewing Company SOS
What the brewers say
New England oysters from Wood Mountain Fish turn this Irish-style stout into a celebration of smoke on the sea. Uses 76 percent smoked malt, but the oysters and roasted barley tame the intensity, turning this beer into a refreshing dry stout.
What our panel thought
Rich roasted stout body, fantastic round chocolate sweetness with a smoky finish that provides an impres-sion of bitterness for balance. A bit ashy on the finish, but not overwhelming. Not overly heavy, but still full-bodied and complex.
What our editors thought
Warm umami vanilla roast notes suggest significant age and maturity. The sip is similarly rich and confi-dent—a touch thin, but awash in low-key roast and bourbon notes that aren’t too sweet and aren’t too bit-ter—just right.