Anderson Valley Brewing Company Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout
What the brewers say
“Aromas of freshly baked bread, espresso, and dried cherries meld with rich toffee flavors and a creamy mouthfeel to create an unparalleled drinking experience.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Some medium graininess with a pronounced fruity character. An odd cheese-like note? Roast is more in background than in front. Notes of vanilla, chocolate, and white rum. Cocoa, coffee, earth, malt sweetness, and slight citrusy lemon notes.”
Flavor: “Fruitiness carries through, with a raisin, prune, dark cherry character. Some chocolate and roast, but with fruitiness, almost comes off like a cherry cordial. A bit of a tartness as well. Hops are earthy and subdued. Finish is lightly sweet with some lingering coffee flavor. The chocolate profile carries well in this beer.”
Overall: “An interesting beer but slightly estery for the style. Love the mouthfeel—the chocolate flavor is very strong but not overpowering. The chocolate flavor is complex with nice creaminess. Very nicely balanced oatmeal stout.”
