Upslope Brewing Company Oatmeal Stout

**Aroma:** “Light aroma with a touch of oats and light roast. A light hops flavor—citrus and pine American hops. Oatmeal and slight toast come through in the finish. Very low ester profile, but maybe a touch of vanilla. There is a nice roast character in this beer. Some complex chocolates along with some earthy nuttiness, toast, and roast. Coffee notes are also present.” **Flavor:** “Roasty malt, toast, and creamy oatmeal. Slight sweetness up front transitions into assertive bitterness that lingers. Lots of American hops flavor, and hops bitterness carries through to help cut the sweetness and add complexity. Rich blend of milk and dark chocolate with some bready toasted notes. Ester profile is quite subdued with some dark cherry peeking through. There is a sweetness that carries through with chocolate and coffee. Very bitter for this style with hops bitterness of pine.” **Overall:** “A slightly higher body and sweetness would help balance out this beer. The American hops and bitterness are pretty intense and not very appropriate for this style. The malt complexity is pretty good, and the body is nice. Oatmeal is used well, but overwhelmed by the hops. This beer provides nice complexity with some bold flavors. It was sweet but not too sweet.”

“Malt aroma medium-strong, roasted with some chocolate, coffee. Chocolate and dark-roasted malt balance nicely in the flavor. A pleasant nutty, toffee malt character mid-palate. Firm bitterness balanced by medium body, a light sweetness. Some lingering astringency in the dry mineral finish.”

**Aroma:** “Dark chocolate nibs, moderate vanilla, light oak earthiness, umami, and caramel, touch of coconut. Medium alcohol.” **Flavor:** “Rich chocolate-syrup flavors up front, perfect for ice cream. Sweet caramel and a touch of vanilla and coconut with coffee notes going into the aftertaste. Medium alcohol on the back end (but not harsh) mixed with a slight burntness. Touch of umami. Cherry esters are rich and sweet. Some tartness gives the finish a little tang. Barrel notes are subtle—vanilla, and slight tannin on the finish helps to dry it out.” **Overall:** “Big dark chocolate–dominated imperial stout. Touch of ethanol warming, a touch of umami, and a light pleasant anise/licorice thing that all flow together nicely. The alcohol level is quite balanced with the high chocolate and caramel notes. If not careful, I could consume a lot of this.”