Samuel Smith's Oatmeal Stout - Samuel Smith Old Brewery (Tadcaster)

Jinholic

Arizona

5/5  rDev +17.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Poured into pint glass 12 ounce bottle.

Appearance - 2 finger brown head jet black thin lacing.

Smell - Dark malts with coffee, chocolate in the back end.

Taste - Same as the smell, dark roasted malts with coffee in the middle and chocolate on the finish. Not bitter at all.

Mouthfeel - The oats in this make in so smooth and silky its unreal no bite to it but I for one hate that in a stout.

Overall - I can't find anything wrong with this beer the craftsmanship is outstanding go grab one and see for yourself.

Serving type: bottle

03-29-2011 06:45:25 | More by Jinholic

bohemiandonut

California

5/5  rDev +17.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Quite possibly the greatest beer on earth. Imagine if this was staring you in the face every time the only reasonable option
seriously, the ONLY one in the bar,
is Guinness.
Yes, the world would enter a new phase of consciousness. This company also makes the best pint glass on earth.

It's black earth, it's powdered bark, it's topped with raisins. The modest 5.00% we hit just holds up even higher the utter oddness of this beer. Little can one do to improve upon it, without creating entirely new beer styles. And that's exactly what we did.

Serving type: bottle

05-16-2011 09:02:17 | More by bohemiandonut

mtwhitney

Hawaii

5/5  rDev +17.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

All beer lovers should bow down to the legendary Charles Finkel who revived Samuel Smith’s brewery with his Merchant du Vin distribution Company. (Google “Charles Finkel merchant of beer Alan Moen” for a great article about this marketing genius).

That said…why drink this stout? Only if you want to transport yourself to the countryside of Yorkshire without actually getting on an airplane.

I am convinced that one could survive on this beer only (without food) longer than any other beer on the market.

Serving type: bottle

12-31-2011 23:50:01 | More by mtwhitney

steveh

Illinois

5/5  rDev +17.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Grabbed one tonight because I want to review Road Slush soon and wanted to check out an original Oatmeal Stout -- surprised I've never reviewed an old favorite.

A -- Deep, dark black with ruby highlights that only show with a flash light. Dense, mousey, long-lasting, light brown (not tan) head.

S -- Roasted malt with sweet undertones cream & coffee and light licorice and caramel.

T -- Roasted malt up front with that cream & coffee smooth sweetness following then finish with a mellow roasted malt bitterness. The oat character comes out with warmth and compliments the other flavors nicely.

M -- Mouthfeel is smooth and silky but finishes mildly dry. Body is medium.

O -- Overall, this is the stuff -- the benchmark for the style. I've never given all 5s to a beer before, but this one is deserving.

Serving type: bottle

01-13-2012 22:24:11 | More by steveh

Maltmaiden

Alabama

5/5  rDev +17.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Huge 3 finger thick head that stays around and leaves a film that lingers for the entire time.
Completely black and I can’t see through it.

I smell toasted caramel malts, breadiness, oats, some hops, some chocolate, and a little bit of molasses. Very inviting.

Just as delicious as I remember it being. Very toasty malts, not burnt though. Pretty much all the aromas come through in the flavor in a very thoughtful way. Very well crafted.

Very smooth medium/thick mouthfeel but easy to drink.

Overall: This is an old friend so I'm glad to be reviewing it now. I would buy this all the time but then I wouldn't be able to try other beer haha. This my perfect beer.

Serving type: bottle

11-04-2012 19:13:33 | More by Maltmaiden

acsprouse

South Carolina

5/5  rDev +17.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

A- pours black. dark khaki head with retention and lacing

S- chocolate, roasted malts. Some coffee, rich and complex. Some dark fruits in there.

M- excellent carbonation for the style. Smooth thick but not overpowering. Silky but not milky

T- sweet malts. Its roasty, its chocolatey. But it has some bitterness. Its bold and it stands out.

O- the celebrated. Its perfection. One of the best oatmeal stouts i have ever had.

Serving type: bottle

01-27-2013 08:14:03 | More by acsprouse

smokinyodas

Florida

4.99/5  rDev +17.7%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Picture yourself sitting back with the cigar in one hand and this beer in the other and let your mind relax into a world of simple pleasures, this is the quintessence of Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout. Once long ago, subjected to a sheltered life of Guinness stouts, oblivious of what the real world had to offer, I now know the true meaning of beer excellence and the cost it takes to be enlightened yet again and again. The questions in my mind spinning around like a hamster wheel on steroids. Is the cost worth the roasted malts, tan head, creamy sweetness, roasted coffee, chocolate flavors and a balanced taste so good it makes your tongue slap your brains out? Yes!

Serving type: bottle

02-10-2013 18:44:32 | More by smokinyodas

CVC

California

4.97/5  rDev +17.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Came in a 18.7 oz. bottle with gold foil on the top; served in a pint glass. Pours black with a slow-dying, thick, tan, one-finger head, which leaves thick lacing. Smells great--chocolate, caramel, coffee, roastiness. Tastes better than any oatmeal than I've ever had. Exceptional. It has one of the best mouthfeels, too--nice and thick. So drinkable.

A damn fine beer all around. Samuel Smith's probably makes the best English beer. And the Oatmeal Stout is probably their best one. So good. Everyone should try this beer at least once.

Serving type: bottle

01-14-2005 05:44:41 | More by CVC

altgeeky1

New Hampshire

4.97/5  rDev +17.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Pours pitch black, with hints of brown if the glass is narrow enough to let light through. Cream coffee colored head. Foam settles down to stable lace across the surface. Smells sweet, oatmeal, chocolate, and smoked malt. Tastes mmm... thick oatmeal goodness. Mouthfeel is perfect, the carbonation lends supporting creaminess to the body, and doesn't get in the way. Good session/activity beer.. for shoveling snow, muching on olives and strong cheese, or sipping slowly in a old lazy-boy recliner near the fireplace.

Serving type: bottle

12-15-2007 00:50:43 | More by altgeeky1

DmanGTR

New York

4.97/5  rDev +17.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

A most regal bottle poured into a standard pint glass

A - Poured extremely dark, nearly black. Could detect some garnet hues in the light. Half inch head that lasted about 5 min, laced very nicely

S - Nothing less than what an oatmeal stout should smell like: chocolate expresso, milkiness, oats and chocolate malts, all in perfect balance

T - Tastes as good, if not better, than how it smells. Very well balanced, creamy, and rich in flavor. I love Guinness but this is like Guinness X 30!

M - Full bodied and lightly carbonated. Silky smooth and creamy to coat the palate in a cocoa shower

D - I would say this is a highly drinkable. There isn't a whole lot of alcohol so one could drink a couple of these an evening, but I would rather enjoy it than drink in quantity...this stuff isn't too cheap! ($3.55/bottle)

Overall, this beer is one of my all-time favorites after just having one of these and I'll definitely be heading back for more. This is an oatmeal stout lover's stout. I was very impressed and I believe it is definitely worth a try at least!

Serving type: bottle

04-02-2008 06:57:07 | More by DmanGTR

midwestbrewers

Kansas

4.97/5  rDev +17.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

550ml bottle

A: This beer looked great. Poured into a Dogfish Head glass and was wonderful. Almost pitch black with a beautiful 3 finger head that leaves outstanding, i repeat OUTSTANDING, lacing.

S: The smell is wonderful malts and chocolate. Some smokey hints.

T: This is the best I've ever had!! Smooth all the way through with wonderful smokey hints of chocolate and malts. Wonderful balance. Nice bittersweet finish.

Overall this is so far the best oatmeal stout I've tried. It embodies the style so wonderfully. Great beer and a fore sure buy again.(Off to get one now before the stores close!) Great Beer Samuel Smith Old Brewery!!!!

Serving type: bottle

01-08-2011 04:39:59 | More by midwestbrewers

garymuchow

Minnesota

4.95/5  rDev +16.7%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

There is not a single aspect of this beer that is weak. The aroma is a wonderful mild roasted malt with a slight sweetness and fruitiness. Dark black color with hints of brown covered by a large full head. Taste is full and rich for style with wonderful complexity making the whole journey from front to back enjoyable. There is a great smoothness, a slight oily quality, maybe a little thin, with a very pleasant lingering at the finish. A truly great drinking experience.

Serving type: bottle

05-28-2002 19:46:18 | More by garymuchow

yuenglingfan101

Indiana

4.95/5  rDev +16.7%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Wonderful beer. Looks good. Not bad at all. Smells like oatmeal and of course it taste like oatmeal. Mouthful well it isn't the best but close to it. Drinkability is wonderful. I could drink a few of these and and enjoy its wonderful taste over and over again. I would recommend this beer to anyone.

Serving type: bottle

08-19-2010 15:05:40 | More by yuenglingfan101

Sachsenfreude

Germany

4.95/5  rDev +16.7%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

appearance; black witha thick and stiff tan head. Slowly dissipates to a tan film that golds up thoughout the drink.

smell; Amazing! Sweet dark rum and oats with a bit of malt.

taste; Mildly sweet malts with smooth oats, leaves a sticky sweetness. Balances at the same time with a yeasty bitterness that is ever so slight but enough to keep the sweetness for getting too strong. Almost a lactic bitterness in the aftertaste, that is very gentle, smooth, and sticky. Notes of milk and vanilla extract.

mouthfeel; dairy-like smoothness that's creamy and thick on the palate.

drinkability; love this stuff and could drink all night based on the wonderful taste alone.

Serving type: bottle

10-15-2010 03:54:38 | More by Sachsenfreude

Jarod

Pennsylvania

4.93/5  rDev +16.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

This beer came in a clear bottle (surprised me) and poured into the glass a dark brown/black but when held to the light there were ruby highlights. The head was beige in color, creamy and thick. The lace held up nicely and stretched to the bottom of the glass. The aroma was of molasses, chocolate, dark malt, and slight vanilla. The tastes were sweet and creamy not thick. Flavors of roasted malt, coffee, bitter hops and chocolate in the end and some what dry . Simple and yet complex all at the same time. This is a very smooth beer. I am surprised that I had not tried this earlier in my life. I really REALLY enjoyed this beer.

Serving type: bottle

01-14-2003 09:31:34 | More by Jarod

easement

Georgia

4.93/5  rDev +16.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Poured into a pint glass.

A-Pours black a with big head. no head retention. no lacing.

S-Smells like chocolate and caramel. Slight biscuity peeking through.

T-Matly and chocolaty goodness. I don't detect any hops. Aftertaste is sweet.

M-Very smooth with a slight creamyness.

D-Highly drinkable. This is one of the best oatmeal stouts I've had. Balanced very well and I will definitely be getting more.

Serving type: bottle

Serving type: bottle

11-16-2008 22:10:51 | More by easement

ncredible1

Arizona

4.93/5  rDev +16.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Poured from Bottle to Glass

A. Dark coffee appearance with a descent dark Tan head.

S. Very welcoming aroma. Sweet roasted malty smell. The smell actually made my taste buds anxious.

T. The beers appearance doesn't do the taste justice. Some oatmeal flavor for the foundation with roasted malts and coffee on top. Comes in sweet and leaves a bitter aftertaste. Slight balnced Hops in the aftertaste. Dark chocolate flavors also come into play after a few sips. This is one of the best tasting Oatmeal Stouts I've had to date.

M. Medium body with moderate carbonation, just the way it should be. However, it's not as silky as I expected.

D. I'm sold on this style. Extremely drinkable. However not a session beer because of the fulness that comes along with dirnking this style. Great sipping beer which i Have paired with pizza.

Serving type: bottle

10-14-2010 20:52:35 | More by ncredible1

Mario61Aler

Ohio

4.93/5  rDev +16.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Poured into the Samuel Smith Pint glass, and welcomed by a thick creamy head of dark tan froth.

Poured a reddish brown that laced well

Smell was all coffee and cooking oatmeal

Taste was perfect! As a Brit friend would say, Spot On! Coffee, Malted grain, slightly bitter and sweet at the same time very balanced towards the bitter though.

Was medium to medium thick in the mouth, creamy, semi-dry, great.

Buy it every chance you get, drink it at 58-62 degrees F, wow! Can't go wrong with this one.

Serving type: bottle

12-25-2011 00:11:40 | More by Mario61Aler

BrandonDrinksBeer

Tennessee

4.93/5  rDev +16.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Served from a 550ml bottle into two glasses. Split the bottle with my wife.

A: Pours black. When held up to light, subtle amber at the top of the pour. Thick, creamy, inviting head that subsides fairly quickly, but laces well.

S: Oatmeal smell is strong up front. Malty-ness is very apparent. Smells a bit like my mom's no bake cookies (oatmeal and cocoa).

T: Tastes sweeter than anticipated based on the smell. Pleasant surprise. Tastes fruit without tasting fruity. Cocoa and oatmeal are subtle. After-taste is divine. Flavor lingers like a good piece of chocolate. The finish of this beer bumped the taste to a 5. The aftertaste is the best part of this beer.

M: More carbonated than anticipated. Another pleasant surprise. Dances in your mouth, and stings a bit going down. The sting is mellowed by the malts. Not the mouthful many stouts are.

O: As a whole, an absolutely outstanding oatmeal stout. Unlike any other than I've ever had. Would have liked a little more head and a little more fullness out of the beer, but the flavor and the aftertaste can't be beat. Will be purchasing again.

Serving type: bottle

04-27-2012 01:58:58 | More by BrandonDrinksBeer

ThreePistols

Florida

4.9/5  rDev +15.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Dark rich color. Nice head & lace. Roasted malt, coffee, chocolate, caramel, toffee, molasses, and oatmeal perfectly balanced. Smooth, creamy, oily, and silky. Perfect balance between the bitterness and the sweetness. Outstanding aftertaste. A must try. Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

11-21-2001 09:30:12 | More by ThreePistols

StevieW

Florida

4.9/5  rDev +15.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

As near as perfection as I have had. Pours a midnight black, with a nice fluffy beige head. The smell is sweet and strong, but not overbearing. I loved the sweet first taste and the wonderful easy smoothness of this beer. Nice thick, almost chewy feel to it. The roasted chocolate and slight bitterness toward the end, was just right. I tried this based on the beer advocates rating, and it was better than I thought it would be. Of all the beers I have had, this is the most memorable. Of the Stouts I have had I would rank them: 1. Sam Smith Oatmeal 2.Young's Double Chocolate 3. Young's Oatmeal. 4. Old Rasputin Imperial

Serving type: bottle

05-18-2002 11:53:34 | More by StevieW

powoo19

Massachusetts

4.9/5  rDev +15.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

I am a diehard stout drinker, but rarely find a stout that isn't slightly bitter. After a friend told me about Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout, I bought a 16 oz bottle. When I cracked it, I couldnt believe the impressive dark colour and the unreal, almost sweet smell. It poured pretty nicely with a nice head.
To say that this beer is smooth is an understatement. It left no bitter aftertaste and was just completely exceptional.
I am now a Sam Smith convert, and suggest you all try it for yourselves..
Happy Drinking!

Serving type: bottle

09-02-2002 07:37:23 | More by powoo19

HossMcGraw

Pennsylvania

4.9/5  rDev +15.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

THIS is what it's all about! Sammy Smith's Oatmeal Stout! Do you think they'll hire me to write slogans for them? I didn't think so either. Seriously this is the best beer I have ever had in my life. (I'm only 21 but still)! Simply amazing. I could rave about this stuff for days. I've never really been one to study the smell, appearance, and mouthfeel of beers like some of the aficionados on this site, but I just can't help it with this one. From the wonderful smoky aroma from when you first pop the cap, to the beautiful tan head that never goes away, to the slow caramel-like finish, this brew is a winner all the way. It is quite expensive, but IMO is worth it. Everybody should try this beer. There is no excuse not to. Go right now to your local beer store and get some of this. And when you get to the checkout counter, tell 'em Hoss McGraw sent ya!

Serving type: bottle

10-31-2002 20:15:57 | More by HossMcGraw

Avagadro

New Jersey

4.9/5  rDev +15.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

I am brewing a clone of this beer and am in the middle of bottling it. I decided to go out and buy the real thing to celebrate.

A: No freshness indication on the package. Pours thick and black with a short mocha colored head. A thin film of foam sits on top of the incredibly dark surface of the beer.

S: Not bursting with aroma like I hoped it would be, but is amazing none the less. Nutty with hints of coffee and oats.

T: Absolutely filled with flavor. Nuts, oats, bread, coffee, caramel, and toffee. All of these flavors come at you in several short waves as soon as this brew hits your toungue.

M: How could I possibly describe the way this oatmeal stout dances on your tongue in words alone. The mouthfeel on this beer is by far the most amazing thing I have every experienced. Is there anyway I can give it a 6?

D: If I was a millionaire, my fridge would always be filled with Samual Smith Oatmeal Stout. It is great as a session beer, or for just sitting back and enjoying its many complexities. This beer defines the style of oatmeal stout and deserves all of the respect it is given.

Serving type: bottle

12-21-2006 05:21:14 | More by Avagadro

StargherKing

Indiana

4.9/5  rDev +15.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Beer is extremely dark, almost black. When held to light shades of crimson shine through, while the head is a thick coffee color. Smell is extremely complex, with the expected oatmeal, yeast, and even a coffelike aroma shining through. Taste is the same, strong and bitter, in a good way. Mouthfeel is amazing, goes down extremely smooth for such a heavy beer. Drinkability is likewise surprisingly high. I would certainly recommend this one, and look forward to trying it again.

Serving type: bottle

12-22-2006 02:20:14 | More by StargherKing