Millstream Back Road Stout - Millstream Brewing Company

Beertender01

Minnesota

3.28/5  rDev -12.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.25

A slightly better than average stout.

I've had this in both the bottle and on tap (and also freshly from the brewer's taps). I prefer to avoid the bottle as it can be a totally different experience (one that the brewer could remedy with the purchase of a new bottling machine).

Normally this is a competent little beer that doesn't overwhelm you.
It pours black with a brown head that quickly dissipates.
Chocolate and roasted malts. The taste for fresher batches is more crisp. When the been has sat for a while (in the keg or the bottle), that crispness goes away.

Very drinkable.

Serving type: on-tap

03-06-2013 21:54:00 | More by Beertender01

NilocRellim

Minnesota

3.53/5  rDev -5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.75

Poured from the tap.

The beer is very dark, almost black in appearance. The smell is very clean and crisp, chocolate, and coffee. The taste is rich, you taste the oats right away, slightly sweet, with a clean roastiness and coffee aftertaste.

Would I buy it again? Yes.

Serving type: on-tap

01-22-2013 05:35:40 | More by NilocRellim

waldoiverson

Texas

3.13/5  rDev -16.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Tap into nonic

A: dark black, tan head that didn't stick around but that may be the bar's fault. Nice lacing

S: caramel, burnt sugar, cherries, citrus zest

T: sweet with sugary chocolate, moderate cherry flavors and a bit of tannic bitterness. Slight alcohol warmth.

M: medium with some syrupy sensation from
The sugars, medium dry finish

O: sweeter than I'd optimally like but the alcohol moderates. An ok brew.

Serving type: on-tap

10-10-2012 22:58:52 | More by waldoiverson

augustgarage

California

4.05/5  rDev +8.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On-tap at Black Forest Inn; served in a mug.

Seal brown liquid with faint auburn and rufous highlights around the edge. Desert sand foam with creamy lacing and excellent retention.

Lovely dark roast malt aromatics suggest coffee and chocolate.

Deep chocolatey roast malt with hints of coffee and cream and vanilla on the palate. ABV is well hidden. Smooth sweet oat cakes, ganache, and toasted bread crusts into the finish.

Medium-bodied, creamy (thanks to the oats), and velvety.

A simple but excellent oatmeal stout, perfectly balanced.

Serving type: on-tap

06-04-2012 03:00:56 | More by augustgarage

bismarksays

Iowa

3.95/5  rDev +5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A- Beautiful black color, nice finger of tan head. Decent lacing, head dissapates somewhat quickly

S- Dark roast, baker's chocolate, coffee

T/M Nice chocolate flavors come through, but they don't overpower the roasted notes. Very low bitterness, slightly sweet without being cloying. Gives a very balanced flavor. Mouthfeel was perhaps a bit thin, making this have more a session beer like quality rather than a sipper. Lacks that velvety smoothness of a truly great stout as far as mouthfeel, but thats its only weakness.

Overall- A very good stout. Easy drinking, balanced, and refreshing. A great way to introduce your Guiness drinker to the wider world of stouts.

Serving type: on-tap

02-20-2012 18:33:12 | More by bismarksays

TCMike

Minnesota

4.08/5  rDev +9.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Thin beige head. Beer was dark brown.
Smell was of chocolate, and coffee.
Taste was similar, not as heavy as I anticipated. Easiser drinking, than some. Medium mouthfeel, and low carbonation.
This is a good stout. I'm liking stouts more, and more. Give this a try!

Serving type: on-tap

10-16-2011 17:49:51 | More by TCMike

TheDeuce

New York

3.9/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Millstream Back Road Stout… on tap at Millstream Brewhaus in the Eastern Iowa Airport.

Appearance-a dark black color on the initial pour, a creamy one finger head rises and falls quickly leaving behind a mess of crackling bubbles and intense carbonation.

Smell-light wafts of coffee and chocolate, alcohol burn
mixed with crusted bread mash, pungent but not overpowering

Taste/Mouthfeel-tastes of roasted malt and bread mixed with the alcohol, viscous mouthfeel that is chewy. Malt dominates throughout with hops only making a mild appearance, sweet flavors do penetrate and the final flavor on the tongue is one of chocolate malt. Flavors are strong and they work, one of the few stouts I’ve had that is light enough to be refreshing as well.

Overall-nice representation of the style and well done. This was one I’d drink again, recommended.

Serving type: on-tap

10-03-2011 23:43:54 | More by TheDeuce

BehindtheFinBrew

Iowa

3.73/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Served at the Taproom in Amana. Check the place out if you're around the area.

Poured into a 12oz plastic glass. Wish they would change their serve ware.

A: Pours thick and black almost like oil. A caramel 1/2" head that laid beautiful lace rings down the glass. Retention was low however with the majority of the session showing a carb supported crown.

S: Roasty, chocolate and dark coffee.

T: Follows aroma. Bitter roasted finish with a lingering bitterness throughout. A lovely bitter-sweet chocolate character presents itself.

M: Good carbonation, creamy with a slight carbonation tingle breaking up the smoothness. A little thin in body.

D: The richness could limit the amount consumed, but overall quite nice for an oatmeal stout.

Serving type: on-tap

05-21-2010 02:13:24 | More by BehindtheFinBrew

Wallstreet

Iowa

4.08/5  rDev +9.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 5

This beer was served with a nice transparent black/dark red hue. It was not cloudy, and had a off white head. The first one tasted of the darkest chocolate and coffee I had ever tasted. The second sweetened up slightly with more of an herb character. It was a very smooth beer but not to the extent of some lagers and lighter ales, keeping an adequate mouth feel. I don't know why the first one tasted different but I preferred the first. the second beer I had was probably closer to the actual taste of the beer. Overall good beer, I will continue to drink this one wile getting used to the really dark beers.

Serving type: on-tap

07-14-2009 05:52:21 | More by Wallstreet

ThirstyBird

Germany

3.7/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Thanks to jwale73 for this bottle
A - Deep, dark brown with reddish highlights. Tan head falls to skim layer fairly quickly.
S - Nice roasty nose. Malt, coffee beans, brown sugar.
T - Very roasty, much less complex than the smell. little chocolate with a dry finish.
M/F - Medium body yet a little watery as well in the flavor. Active carbonation maybe a touch too much.
D - Pretty decent oatmeal stout. Don't love it yet certainly wouldn't turn it down if offered to me.

Serving type: on-tap

07-07-2009 22:18:51 | More by ThirstyBird

ArmOnFire

New Hampshire

4.2/5  rDev +12.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Served on tap at Old Chicago in Ames, and the DSM airport.

Did not disappoint either at either venue. A highlight of my trips to Iowa for work. I just wish I could get it back east.

Nice cream colored head, with standard stout dark body.

Smells of coffee and chocolate, that lead to a taste that is a blend of both. Exactly what I like in a stout! Smooth, with no sense of alcohol, but a small trace of a hoppy bite aftertaste.

Not too thick or syrupy that other stouts have sometimes, definitely a winner here, and can easily have multiple pints without feeling bogged down.

I would recommend this stout to friends.

Serving type: on-tap

01-28-2009 01:36:05 | More by ArmOnFire

bashiba

Iowa

3.8/5  rDev +1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Had this at the brewery, was served with a thick dark creamy brown with a nice tan head with good retention.

Smell was mostly dark roasted malts with a touch of coffee flavors coming out.

Taste was a nice mix of coffee, hints of bitter chocolate, and a slight sweet creamyness that I really enjoyed.

Mouthfeel was to thin for a beer like this and is the one aspect that holds if back.

Drinkabillity was good, in fact I planned to bring some bottles home with me from the brewere, but unfortanetly they were out at the time.

Serving type: on-tap

07-29-2005 01:54:17 | More by bashiba

HopHeadKen

Iowa

3.95/5  rDev +5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

I was in Amana for three days, and visited the brewery twice.
I thought it was good, smooth and sweet with hints of chocolate and coffee, creamy ivory head that lasted until the bottom half of the glass.

I will admit that I did not try everything at Millstream and I am partial to Stouts so I stayed away from the Wheats; but I consider this to be one
of their best beers.

Serving type: on-tap

06-02-2005 19:15:20 | More by HopHeadKen

MABZ

Nebraska

3.88/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

This is my first experience with an oatmeal stout. I must say, being an Iowa native, I am quite surprised to see that a state with such a strong love affair for sissy yellow beer could produce such a deliciously black nectar. This was my third favorite of Millstream's product line when I took the tour earlier today. It pours quite dark with a small tan head. Tastes almost like a Guiness, but not quite as dry or harsh. While I can appreciate this beer for what it is, it would not be my choice for a medium to heavy session.

Serving type: on-tap

01-02-2005 23:28:15 | More by MABZ

mynie

Indiana

4.3/5  rDev +15%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

At the bar at which I ordered this a man warned me, while sitting over his Miller Light, "you best be careful with that son: It's pretty rough."

Bullshit.

This is one of the most drinkable stouts that I've ever had. Sweet malt upfront, not roasted and bitter, just a hint of coffee and toffee mixed with and oaty aftertaste. Really nice, but not very complex or strong. Good mouthfeel, but not great, and, like I said, this is the most drinkable stout that I've ever come across.

Serving type: on-tap

10-31-2004 03:39:44 | More by mynie

312HopBomb

Illinois

3.93/5  rDev +5.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

12 oz. bottle served in a 3 Floyds imperial pint.

Black in color with brown highlights and a medium head which falls quicly to a ring. No lacing.

Sweet chocolate and roasted malt aroma is inviting.

Taste of milk chocolate and toffee with mellow roast malt. Mild, not bitter roast but with a good roast taste.

Smooth and creamy mouthfeel is thin to medium with light carbonation creating a very sessionable stout.

Overall a smooth, creamy and mellow brew that is easy to drink. I like this one. My first taste of Millstreet. Great job.

Serving type: bottle

10-24-2012 05:18:59 | More by 312HopBomb

TheManiacalOne

Rhode Island

3.78/5  rDev +1.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Acquired via trade from cpolking, so a big “Thank You” goes out to him. Poured from a 12oz bottle into a US tumbler glass.

A: The beer is a deep dark brown color, with a short beige head that fades quickly and leaves a thin lace on the glass.

S: The aroma contains roasted malts, coffee, chocolate, a faint touch of hops but also a metallic quality.

T: The taste starts out very creamy with flavors of coffee, chocolate and roasted oats. The malt character is on the thin side for the style but it works well for this particular beer. The hops presence I mild but complementary and brings a decent balance. The after-taste is slightly sweet.

M: Crisp and very smooth, medium body, medium carbonation, finish is slightly sticky.

O: Tasty, goes down easily, not too filling, decent kick, good representation of style, although there are others in the style that I would choose first, this is still a solid beer to drink for a while if you’re in the mood for the style.

Serving type: bottle

10-13-2012 23:29:24 | More by TheManiacalOne

WildHighlander

4.38/5  rDev +17.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Up in Wyoming, MN on business. I always like to try what is local. I was very pleasantly pleased with this beer. Never heard of Millstream Brewing Co. Very good flavor. Nice aroma. Good head retention. Nice color. Smooth, slight sweetness. Good blending of flavors. I'm going to have another.

Serving type: bottle

07-18-2012 00:45:47 | More by WildHighlander

momoagogo14

Iowa

3.65/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured from bottle into an Okocim pint glass

Aroma: strong dark chocolate, coffee, toasted malts
Appearance: chocolate brown, light brown head with minimal lacing and retention
Taste: Coffee and bitter dark chocolate flavors come through up front, the oatmeal nuttiness is more present on the aftertaste.
Mouthfeel: Almost seems too thin and too carbonated for the style.
Overall: Tried this on a whim because I like supporting local breweries. I think it’s a good first attempt at the style. I was pleasantly surprised at the flavors. Just wish the texture/mouthfeel was a little more substantial.

Serving type: bottle

07-09-2012 02:43:16 | More by momoagogo14

bmike86

Iowa

4.05/5  rDev +8.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

I picked up a 6 pack from Hyvee Wine & Spirits in Pella, IA.

Appearance --- dark brownish black, with about a finger and a half of a light brown head, pretty good retention leaving a light lace

Smell --- pleasant smell of chocolate, with a small bit of roasted malt & coffee scents

Taste --- nice blend of sweet and roasted malts, chocolate & coffee, with a minimal amount of hops

Mouth feel --- medium bodied, average carbonation, a bit of creaminess and bitterness

Overall --- I figured I would give this one a shot, and was pleasantly surprised. The smell is fairly strong & extremely nice, leaving me to want a bit more from the taste I felt. I would say this is an above average oatmeal stout that I would recommend to anyone that could possibly find/come across it. Millstream did such a good job with their version of it, that I am now curious about their other offerings. I know what I will keep an eye out for, the next time I visit Iowa.

Serving type: bottle

07-07-2012 03:34:56 | More by bmike86

argock

Virginia

3.5/5  rDev -6.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 12 oz brown bottle into a Shaker pint. An undecipherable notching date system on the label. Received as a gift from my sister Tami.

A: Very dark brown with wispy beige head with average retention and a few lace forms.

S: The aroma provides some light roast, milk chocolate, and herbal hops.

T: The flavor is more enjoyable with more roast but not overdone, cocoa and dark chocolate, and pumpernickel crust. There is some bitterness to this brew, although I think it is more due to the roast and dark malts. It ends with a little bit of sourness in the aftertaste.

M: The oatmeal smoothness is counteracted by the overcarbonation which leaves too thin a finish.

O: Reasonably decent brew that I am glad I got a chance to try.

Serving type: bottle

06-30-2012 02:42:30 | More by argock

JackieTH

Minnesota

3.88/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Dark brown/black body with an inch of mocha brown foam that recedes slowly to a think skein, leaving small fits of lace.

Smell is malt, roasted malt, oats, faint caramel, dark fruit.

Taste is roasted malt, faint coffee, oatmeal, dark cherries, lightly chocolate.

Mouthfeel is smooth and creamy with a nice level of carbonation to scrub the palate. Body holds together well.

Overall a nice example of an oatmeal stout, I'd buy it again.

Serving type: bottle

06-29-2012 04:07:24 | More by JackieTH

Duff27

Illinois

3.53/5  rDev -5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Thanks egrace84 for this one.

A- Pours an inch tall fizzy(!) mocha colored head than settles in to a small, denser head. Dark brown/black body. After the head resides the beer is much more attractive as a whole. Very nice lacing lacing present.

S- Cola/chocolate whiffs, slightly metallic.

T- Follows the nose pretty well with a hint of fruitiness going on somewhere in there, more specifically grape. More metallic than roasty. Would guess this around 5.5%abv.

M- Medium mouthfeel, somewhat creamy.

D/O- All in all, goes down pretty easily with a few off flavors present in the nose and mouth. Not something I'd recommend but not terrible either.

Serving type: bottle

04-19-2012 02:39:27 | More by Duff27

KarlHungus

Minnesota

3.88/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This beer pours a very dark brown almost black color. The head is one inch in height, and recedes quickly into minimal lacing. The aroma is of roasted malt, burnt malt, and hints of dark chocolate. The taste is similar to the aroma, but a bit stronger. The mouthfeel is medium bodied with appropriately mild carbonation, and a smooth texture. Overall, this is a nice stout that I would be happy to drink again.

Serving type: bottle

04-16-2012 00:47:41 | More by KarlHungus

kjyost

Manitoba (Canada)

4.1/5  rDev +9.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Bottle purchased as part of the sampler pack at Princeton Liquors in Maple Grove, MN. Undated 12 oz bottle poured into a Perfect Pint glass.

A: Absolutely gorgeous. Tons of tan lacing, deep black body with clear ruby red edges. A cap that laces lasts for a whole half hour drink. Amazing.
S: Liquorice, molasses and burnt sugar are primarily on the nose, with a hint of earth underlying it all.
T: Nice sweetness with lots of roast bitterness, a bit of molasses and a lingering earthy note on the tongue.
M: Smooth, somewhat silky beer with a good balance of sweetness and roast / hop bitterness.
O: A rock solid effort, that is great for what it is. Needs a bit more complexity to be a world class beer though.

Serving type: bottle

02-29-2012 23:52:42 | More by kjyost