Black H2O Oatmeal Stout - Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery

drabmuh

Maryland

3.9/5  rDev -4.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Not my favorite oatmeal stout but a nice one for sure. Served on tap at the brewery. Beer is black with a nice off white head of small bubbles. Some lacing, decent retention.

Aroma is little weak, some grain, mild roast.

Beer is medium in body, bitter, sweet, good mouthfeel, nice beer throughout. I'd have it again but I wouldn't go out of my way.

Serving type: on-tap

12-24-2012 03:52:13 | More by drabmuh

MattyG85

Minnesota

4.35/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap at the brewpub. Poured into a standard shaker pint glass.

Appearance: Dark black with a little bit of brown color coming through. Solid three fingers of creamy tan head with good retention and a nice froth. Good amount of lacing around the glass.

Smell: Dark roasted malts with some chocolate, nuts, oats, milk, and a little coffee. A fairly strong aroma of smoke mixes in with the chocolate. Smells very roasty, robust, and fairly sweet.

Taste: Sweet dark roasted malts up front with some good notes of chocolate, oats, nuts, milk, subtle coffee and lactose. A pretty noticeable taste of smoke lingers around making this taste like a cross between an Oatmeal Stout and Baltic Porter. Very nice.

Mouthfeel: Medium body with a moderate level of carbonation. Very creamy, lightly sweet and syrupy, and very smooth. Sweet but finishes moderately dry.

Overall: A very solid oatmeal stout. The smoke and milk flavors add a nice touch.

Serving type: on-tap

01-31-2012 06:18:13 | More by MattyG85

Heavenisbeer

Georgia

3.93/5  rDev -4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A: Espresso black, with a cappuccino head, and very nice intricate lacing.

S: Bitter, dark chocolate and deep espresso notes.

T: Dark chocolate and espresso. Very sweet malt backbone. Has a roasted bitter malt finish. This could use a little more of a hop kick to cut the sweetness of the malts.

M: Light and pleasant for an oatmeal stout. Very drinkable.

Serving type: on-tap

12-27-2011 01:32:08 | More by Heavenisbeer

Tucquan

Pennsylvania

4.18/5  rDev +2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Had this on 2011-11-18 at the downtown brew pub.

A - Deep, dark brown with a 1-finger tan head and moderate lacing.

S - Roasted grain, some milk chocolate and floral spice. Not real strong.

T - Solid and well-balanced. Roasted grain and chocolate, light splash of coffee and a dollop of hop bitterness to help the finish.

M - Medium-heavy body and light-medium carbonation. Moderately thick yet refreshing.

O - Gotta say; this is one fine stout. Doesn't knock you over the head but it does everything right.

Serving type: on-tap

11-22-2011 18:54:51 | More by Tucquan

Holland

Pennsylvania

4.22/5  rDev +2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: jet black with almost no highlights. Nice head that dissipates to allow a larger than normal ring of froth that is tan colored.

S: smells of coffee and roasted malts

T: coffee, roasted malt, maybe some balsalmic vinegar, and great hop bitterness.

M: medium body, medium-light carbonation, and an awesome sticky malt for a lasting aftertaste.

O: wow, another well crafted beer from Minneapolis Town Hall. Wish I had a brewery of this quality by me. This is drinkable, well put together, and full of flavor. This has as much flavor as many imperial stouts I have had.

Serving type: on-tap

11-13-2011 22:33:30 | More by Holland

AleWatcher

Illinois

3.95/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

on tap at Minneapolis Town Hall -- reviewed from short notes

black body-- like really black. not just dark brown. Very black. Dark tan head with good retention and nice rings of lace.

Smells really weak-- some roasty malt with chocolate undertones. The taste is the same, but it is more dry than expected.

Body is nice and thick-- slightly creamy in feel thanks to a low carbonation level.

Overall, not bad. Not the best oatmeal stout I've had, but not the worst.

Serving type: on-tap

11-04-2011 01:05:57 | More by AleWatcher

WoodBrew

Illinois

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

Town Hall did a decent job with this Oatmeal stout. It had just enough body to make it palletable. Any less and it would have tasted like typical micro-brew failings. This beer was dark...opaque with nice tan head that laced. The smell included roast and espresso. The taste was nice and balanced...others at the table thought bitter....but I didnt think so. Great balance with the roast, coffee, and enough hops to clean the pallet without being to bitter. The mouthfeel was good....more body would be nice....the ABV was perfect and this is definitely a good stout.

Serving type: on-tap

09-21-2011 20:47:10 | More by WoodBrew

Chriscrundwell12

Minnesota

4.1/5  rDev 0%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured on tap at the brewpub into a pint glass

A- Pitch black one finger mocha brown head, dissipates quickly
S- Very soft mellow aroma, hints of oats and roasted coffee, malts as well, very subtle
T- The taste is better than the aroma, kind of hoppy, sweet, coffee, roasted oats, chocolate, some carbonation, nice surprising taste to this one, very enjoyable.
M- Medium mouth feel well carbonated, very smooth.
O- Solid, oatmeal stout, enjoyable creaminess to it, easy drinkability, a nice regular beer at Town Hall.

Serving type: on-tap

05-23-2011 07:36:58 | More by Chriscrundwell12

zhanson88

California

3.85/5  rDev -6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Appearance: Black H2O comes out looking very black and thick with a bit of of thin mocha head. The little head that there is does stick around somewhat.

Smell: I get plenty of roasted malts of course, with coffee and smooth oatmeal as well. Not bad, but not as complex as other oatmeal stouts that I've tried.

Taste: Roasted malts, coffee and smooth, sweet oatmeal. Very rich. A good beer to end the night with.

Mouthfeel/Drinkability: Just over medium bodied with quite a fair bit of carbonation for an oatmeal stout. Not as smooth and creamy as others that I've had. Pretty easy to drink for the style, definitely worth a shot if you make it to Town Hall.

Serving type: on-tap

12-17-2010 01:29:01 | More by zhanson88

jrallen34

Illinois

3.68/5  rDev -10.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at the brew pub...Pours black with a medium tan head that rises a finger and stays a decent amount of time. Thick lacing...A decent aroma of sweet chocolate, roasy and the oatmeal comes through nicely. Could be a bit stronger and more roasty to really get me excited...The taste is on the sweet side, needs more roast to balance it out more. Light hops on the back give some balance, just not enough.

Worth trying but nothing special.

Serving type: on-tap

10-28-2010 14:52:37 | More by jrallen34

mothman

Saskatchewan (Canada)

3.98/5  rDev -2.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours about a finger of tan head. Not the best retention. Color is black.

Aroma: A big roasted malts with oats and chocolate. Some coffee shows. Pretty malty.

Taste: Coffee, roasted malts, creamy chocolate, oats, and cocoa powder. Light grassy hop bitterness.

Mouthfeel: Creamy, smooth. Medium bodied with a medium amount of carbonation. Ends pretty clean.

Overall, a nice easy drinking oatmeal stout. Good amount of roast and creaminess to it. Decent drinkability as well.

Serving type: on-tap

10-22-2010 22:01:11 | More by mothman

jera1350

Minnesota

4.4/5  rDev +7.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Black as night in color with a thick and frothy head that could almost be cut with a knife.

The smell could use a little bump up, but there is a decent hop scent along with chocolate and a bit of coffee.

Pretty hoppy for the style, which I love. Chocolatey with a hint of smoke and coffee. Ever so tasty with a nice complexity for the style.

Oatmeal smoothness with about a medium body. Carbonation is spot on and creamy.

I would have to call this my favorite oatmeal stout. There is only one other that I could say comes close. It's all around great and has such an outstanding flavor profile. On cask is equal to beer perfection. This is a Town Hall must try for anyone.

Serving type: on-tap

09-20-2010 02:16:55 | More by jera1350

Kegatron

Pennsylvania

4.15/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On tap @ the Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery (Minneapolis, MN) on 8/10/10. Served in a pint glass.

Pours black, with a finger of dark mocha colored head. This retains with a thin creamy layer of foam that leaves thick swathes of lacing back. The aroma has a nice thickness to it, with notes of coffee, roast, and sweet chocolate. The oatmeal is really sticking out strong here in the nose, adding a smooth feeling sweetness to the proceedings.

The taste is sticky sweet up front with chocolate, caramel and some earthy fruit, while roasted malts add a dark tangy feel to the profile. Nice feeling moderate bite of hops here, which leaves lingering roast and earth in the finish. The mouthfeel is medium bodied and crisp upon first sip but then gets a little stickier and softer feeling as you swallow. Pretty overall smooth on the palate though from the oats and drinks really nice despite some size to the body.

Full flavored and very drinkable, this may well be one of the best Oatmeal Stouts that I've had in a long time. I could just work between glasses of this and the Masala Mama and be a happy man here!

Serving type: on-tap

08-26-2010 19:35:15 | More by Kegatron

Thorpe429

Illinois

4.2/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

Had on tap at Town Hall in August 2009.

Pours a dark black with a very nice brown head and a little bit of lacing. The smell is one of abundant roasted grains combined with bits of coffee and a few nibbles of chocolate. The oats work their way out as well. The taste brings the oats out a little bit more and also includes some mild bittering hops. The mouthfeel is very nice--medium-bodied and quite chewy. Very drinkable considering the style, and something I'd love to have a constant supple of as the leaves fall off the trees.

Serving type: on-tap

10-01-2009 17:35:18 | More by Thorpe429

hardy008

Minnesota

4.22/5  rDev +2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a dark black color with a tan head which left a nice lace on the glass. Smells of coffee, oatmeal, and chocolate. The taste is the same as the smell. The sweetness of the malt is balanced nicely by the bitter coffee flavor. Medium bodied and medium carbonation. This is a nice, smooth, easy to drink Oatmeal Stout.

Serving type: on-tap

09-28-2009 02:15:25 | More by hardy008

blackearth

Minnesota

2.83/5  rDev -31%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 2

Enjoyed at Town Hall Brewery in Minneapolis, MN. Poured a black body with a light tan head of foam. Aroma was dark roasted malts and I swear I could smell straw. Full bodied with a smoothy, creamy mouthfeel. This one starts off great, but it turns out to be too sweet. Half way through I was tired of it and wished I'd ordered something different. Too bad.

Serving type: on-tap

09-15-2009 19:03:59 | More by blackearth

Mistofminn

Minnesota

4.15/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

The second and final beer in my unsuccessful quest to become Town Hall's mayor for the month. Served in a pint glass.

Very dark brown in color, served with a dark brown mocha head with excellent retention. After a good 20 minutes the head was still there, and it left great lacing.

The nose is roasted malts, chocolate, coffee and a very light bitterness. Very appealing.

The taste is much what you would expect, roasted malts, bitter chocolate, coffee and a light hop presence. It is all mellowed out by the oatmeal which gives it a smooth and milky consistency.

Smooth and creamy, medium in body, this is some good stuff. I can't believe I haven't ordered this Town Hall mainstay before. Great drinkability.

For something that is always on tap at Town Hall, I'm surprised I've never had this before. That has changed and this is now one of my Town Hall favorites.

Serving type: on-tap

09-05-2009 07:29:24 | More by Mistofminn

Ragingbull

California

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

Dark black color with a mocha colored head. Strong oatmeal and malts on the nose. The flavor is rich with roasted flavors that are wonderfully interwoven with oatmeal. The oatmeal lends the nice texture to the beer that it often does to create a nice smooth mouthfeel. The attack is refreshing and light, the mouthfeel is thick, yet clean and then the finish leaves you ready for another sip.
Good beer.

Serving type: on-tap

07-17-2009 14:35:12 | More by Ragingbull

Vonerichs

Illinois

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

I had this on tap and the lighting is fairly dark at town hall, but I couldn't detect any light passing through and this was dark brown to black and opaque. There was a thin but fluffy head that dissipated within a couple minutes and left only a hint of lacing up top, but as my glass emptied the only ring was at the initial crest.

This has a very rich and rounded smell, with dark chocolate and dark roasted coffee, finished with heavily roasted, almost burnt malts.

The taste is heavy on the roasted malt and coffee. The coffee roast is deep and dark like espresso. It's all backed by a dark chocolate sweetness. The finish is a coffee-like bitterness.

The mouthfeel was a little thin for an oatmeal stout, but was full bodied and had the right touch of carbonation. It leaves a nice dry palate.

Serving type: on-tap

07-12-2009 03:02:18 | More by Vonerichs

gatornation

Minnesota

4.43/5  rDev +8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

had on tap at MTH the appearance was black as night with a nice beige fluffy head that dissipates to a nice beige /cherry ring with some sticky lacing on the side..the smell is chocolate ,molasses roasted coffee plum and some berry smells..the taste was a sweet chocolate and roasted coffee smell with a small amount of oatmeal nothing dominated in this stout but all was present and competing in the flavor it was fantastic and nicely balanced..WOW this is one great stout that is full but at the same time easy to throw back a couple in a hurry really drinkable and highly flavorful a perfect oatmeal stout..highly recommended

Serving type: on-tap

07-06-2009 19:14:09 | More by gatornation

bsp77

Minnesota

3.85/5  rDev -6.1%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Serving glass: On tap, poured into Pint Glass.

Appearance: Black and opaque. Virtually no head or lacing, even when I try to shake it up. Looks thin.

Smell: Roasted malts, chocolate, coffee, licorice.

Taste: Roasty sweetness, nutty flavor, slight bitterness at end.

Feel: Slick feel, low carbonation. Medium bodied but a little thinner than hoped for.

Drinkability: Decent stout overall, but there are many others I would rather choose.

Serving type: on-tap

04-21-2009 13:24:32 | More by bsp77

lhaqq

California

4.03/5  rDev -1.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Pours a pitch black body and a dark tan 2cm head that dissipates slowly.
S: Smells really doughy, specifically like pizza dough. Oatmeal, and some coffee.
T: Not as much of the dough as in the smell. A lot of oatmeal, also some non-sweet chocolate.
M: Sticky and thick and pretty heavy; great for the style.
D: Could probably have a couple of these, which is great for such a thick stout.

Serving type: on-tap

01-08-2009 07:19:12 | More by lhaqq

zeff80

Missouri

4.08/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A - Poured a thick, opaque, jet-black color with a small, light brown head. It left some soapy residue on the glass.

S - It smelled of oatmeal, biscuity malts and some floral notes.

T - It had a strong oatmeal flavor, with hints of molasses, chocolate and roasted malts.

M - It was soft, creamy, and very smooth. A medium-bodied beer.

D - This is a very nice oatmeal stout. Works very well on a freezing Minnesota day.

Serving type: on-tap

12-21-2008 20:56:02 | More by zeff80

opwog

Minnesota

4.4/5  rDev +7.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Now listening to: Michael Jackson - Billie Jean

A- Great darkness with an off white thin head
S- Toasty malt, coffee, cocoa
T- Very nice brepub stout! You really couldn't expect much more out of an off-campus type bar.
M- Perfect carbonation and thickness.
D- If I was going to be in this area for longer, this is exactly what I would want to keep in the hotel fridge as a growler!

Serving type: on-tap

11-30-2008 01:47:31 | More by opwog

northyorksammy

Ontario (Canada)

3.78/5  rDev -7.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Well they took this off nitro I am told,though it had the characteristics of a nitro, but more the taste of a tap. The carbonation is good at the Hall. Roasted barley and chocolate smell. It is dark and lacey. An above average mouthfeel, not as creamy as a nitro - chocolate rich. A good stout.

Serving type: on-tap

11-20-2008 04:26:41 | More by northyorksammy