Black H2O Oatmeal Stout - Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery

dirtylou

Washington

4.28/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

on-cask at the brewpub

cellphone notes

appearance: served in a standard pint - rich dark mahogany, creamy chocolatey head with great retention

smell: the creamy head of this beer gave hints of whiskey and peat, below is lush chocolate and roasted malt. nice

taste: I enjoyed this oatmeal stout late-night on the patio and it went down easy - rich and chocolatey with nice contrast provided by the oats and light alcohol presence.

mouthfeel: velvety, rich and creamy

drinkability: high

Serving type: cask

08-30-2010 16:28:06 | More by dirtylou

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

FreshmanPour77

Minnesota

4.38/5  rDev +6.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Reviewed on 5-26-10
Reviewed cold from a growler to a glass

A - Black pour, 1 finger of foam, nice brown with a tint of red lacing ring, couldn't tell if there is any carbonation present

S - Vanilla, brown sugar, and malt of course, some coffee notes

T - Oatmeal and malts, some coffee aftertaste

M/D - Another winner from Town hall Minneapolis, a very smooth and drinkable Oatmeal stout, highly recommend trying this brew and picking up a cheap growler

Serving type: growler

06-02-2010 16:31:46 | More by FreshmanPour77

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

taylorhamrick

South Carolina

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

on cask @ Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery

Pours a dark brown, pretty clear, almost black, but lets enough light through that you can see bubbles cascading up through the beer. The head is densely packed, about 1-2cms, brown colored, and it leaves bits of lacing as I drink. Looks nice. The primary smells are coffee and chocolate - a good bit of roasted malts, and not leaning too heavily in any one direction. There's also the sort of standard sweetness mixed with the kind of smell I can hardly describe as anything but the oats. The taste is right on. It tastes kind of slick, nearly syrupy with a tiny bit of esters, but it's nice and sweet. There are hints of coffee, but really it tastes more like roasted, not quite burnt or charred malts, fresh cracked. At times it feels a bit too slick, and the cask doesn't contribute much to the flavor, just the feeling, but it does serve to balance out the flavors a bit in the beer. Especially when you can get a sip of the creamy foam on top. The low carbonation in the beer itself leads to a more full feeling as well, but it also exposes a bit of thinness in the finish. Still this one is right on for an oatmeal stout. The beer is enjoyable, it's nice and smooth, just complex enough to keep me interested, and not too much of a heavy hitter - though a bit higher in ABV than I expected. Overall, and enjoyable beer, and definitely worth a shot on cask.

Serving type: cask

07-08-2009 11:51:02 | More by taylorhamrick

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

spointon

Illinois

4.13/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I poured this one from a growler into a shaker pint glass on 5/11/2009 (part of a great beer trip with BA roadhouse).

A= This stout poured a jet black color (no light passing through this baby) with a 1.5" chocolate brown head. The head dropped slowly and left behind some pretty lace on my glass.

S= Heady aroma of roasted grains, chocolate, treacle, and a bit of coffee. Overall this smelled rich and sweet.

T= Much like the smell, this had a bit of roasty flavor up front, followed by the smooth chocolate and mocha notes. I also found a hint of ripe black-cherry fruitiness in there that clashed just a bit with the roasty malt. Mild earthy hops lead into a sweet finish.

MF= Medium bodied, with the oatmeal giving a significant slickness. Carbobation was moderate to high for the style.

D= A damn drinkable oatmeal stout. The only thing I would change would be to remove that little black-cherry flavor nuance but otherwise this is top notch and would happily drink another growler of it if I could!

Serving type: growler

05-14-2009 04:12:51 | More by spointon

roadhouse

Florida

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

Had from a growler shared with spointon on 5/11 into a pint glass

Poured a deep black color with a two inch tan head. It retained well and left quite a bit of lacing on the glass.

Aroma was heavily of chocolate and mocha coffee, but there was also some detectable oatmeal aroma.

Taste had lots of chocolate up front with a slight sweetness that comes in before a strong roasty coffee-like flavor comes in to last until the finish.

Mouthfeel was medium-light bodied, very smooth and slick, though perhaps a touch thin.

Overall a very good oatmeal stout. I only wish we had had more time to spend at Town Hall so I could have tried more of their beers.

Serving type: growler

05-13-2009 05:11:11 | More by roadhouse

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

Redrover

Illinois

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

Served in a standard pint, the beer is jet black with a tan head and nice lacing. Good looker!

The nose is of roasted malts, brown sugar, dark fruit and a subtle hint of smoke.

The beer is as expected a bit sweet. The oatmeal adds nice texture and taste. The malts add a toasted almost coffee like backdrop. There is a bit of wood taste in the background, which is different, and got me wondering of the keg was just about to kick.

The mouth is creamy and satisfying. I had a couple and was pleased with my choice!

Serving type: on-tap

11-12-2008 20:39:58 | More by Redrover

rtepiak

Poland

3.88/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

looks great. almost black with small latte head. creamy and smooth as hell. not complex. malty with a great body. milky sweet. a bit too sweet. too much by the end. excellent example for a brewpub though. seems like a good one to have in the start of winter...

Serving type: on-tap

10-21-2008 07:42:29 | More by rtepiak

HopDerek

Pennsylvania

4.05/5  rDev -1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Poured almost black with dark chocolate brown hues, 1 finger of bubbly burnt orange head had ok retention and left some lacing. Smells of roasted malt, chocolate, and lightly burnt coffee. Tastes of roasted malt with a hint of dark cocoa and oat, with a burnt coffee finish and a touch of citrus. Medium in body but somewhat thin, semi-smooth with lots of roasty flavors. A good oatmeal stout, but seems to focus more on burnt flavors than anything else. Definitely a finishing beer, as it'll kill your palate.

Serving type: on-tap

06-07-2008 21:52:23 | More by HopDerek

Deuane

Pennsylvania

3.75/5  rDev -8.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A-Black with deep brown highlights. Thin tan head reducing to spotty lace.

S-Light roasted malt and caramel.

T-Good flavours of roast/burnt malt but muted. Kind of disappointing.

M-Medium-light body. Not a full as I would expect. Actually somewhat thin.

D-Good, but not what I was hoping it would be. Lacking body and balls. I certainly am one that can get behind a sessionable stout but this simply seems to be lacking.

Serving type: nitro-tap

05-24-2008 08:15:24 | More by Deuane

mkabull

Massachusetts

4.55/5  rDev +11%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

On first appearance an excellent looking stout , dark color , light tan/brown head . Maintained head well . Aroma was malty and slightly sweet . Good body , good mouthfeel . The taste was slightly sweet , slightly bitter but the bitterness did not linger . Excellent drinkability and very quoffable . I highly recommend this one .

Serving type: on-tap

05-21-2008 00:19:14 | More by mkabull

soupyman10

District of Columbia

4.33/5  rDev +5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had this one at the MTHB on-tap. Poured a pitch black color with a fine film of tan head on top. Looks solid; no real highlights, and leaves some light lacing. Nose is lots of sweetness, oats, cookies, and then of course a good amount of roasted malt in there as well. Flavor is likewise. A down and dirty beer, if you catch my meaning. Tons of roasted malt, but not in a drying way - lots of sweet cookies and some chocolate in there as well, to help keep it drinkable. Coffee flavors swirling. A solid brew. Feel is nice and full, as it should be, but not so filling you couldn't drink a couple. Overall, a nice beer.

Serving type: on-tap

04-14-2008 00:32:40 | More by soupyman10

KarlHungus

Minnesota

4.58/5  rDev +11.7%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This beer pours a very dark brown, almost black color. The head is one inch in height, and recedes slowly into a nice cap of lacing. The aroma is of chocolate, graham crackers, vanilla, cream, and roasted malt. The taste is full of roasted malt, with chocolate, and vanilla in the start, and graham cracker in the finish. The mouthfeel is medium bodied with a low level of fine carbonation. Overall, this is one of the better oatmeal stouts I have had. I will certainly drink this again at the pub, and at home in growler form.

Serving type: growler

03-20-2008 17:41:42 | More by KarlHungus