Founders Oatmeal Stout - Founders Brewing Company

TheBrewo

Michigan

3.86/5  rDev -2.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

This brew was served on nitro at the Founders Brewing Company taproom in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It arrived in a generic nonic, showing the deepest brown coloring, with ruby hues let up towards the bottom. It held a two finger head of that creamy, latte colored nitro foam, showing great retention. Heavy rings of lacing were left as it slowly dissipated, but at no point was it completely gone. No haze or sediment was noted, and carbonation appeared to be moderate. The aroma gave heavy dark chocolate syrups, roasted toffees, molasses, chalky brick dryness, salts, floral airs, and whole milk fattiness. With warmth the nose became much more syrupy, soured, and chocolatey, with a smoked bacon meatiness echoing in the distance. Our first impression was that the flavoring was nicely creamy and smooth, which was enhanced by the beer’s tactile softness, which actually boosted the flavoring. As we sipped, the taste began with sweet cream, chicory woodiness, big drying chocolate and coffee malts, metallics, soy sauce saltiness, and the depth and roast of coffees. The peak of the swallow was a bit watered through, but gave twangs of mineral and gravel, dust and musk, chalkiness, juicy coffee acidity, and light charcoals. Washing through the finish was more soured vinegar bite, continued chalk, hearty oat smoothness, big roastiness of chocolate malts, cooked brown sugars, milkiness, mineral, and burning medicinals to match. The aftertaste breathed of chalky dryness, cocoa powder, baker’s yeast, floured oat, dirty earthiness, dust, and surprising smokiness on the way back. The body was light to medium, and the carbonation was medium. The feel was insanely smooth and creamy, thanks to the nitro, with good sip, slurp, and froth. The latter initially coats and wets the mouth, dripping into eventual chalky astringency. The abv was appropriate, and the beer drank easily.

Overall, what we liked best about this beer was its look, and the general roastiness through both the nose and the flavoring. For an oatmeal stout the aroma stayed way roasty, sweet, and happily smoky for the style, while the flavoring showed robustness, but did cheapen a bit along with the feel as the beer warmed. The feel did begin soft and silky, but as the tasting went on it lost that bright effervescence and became a bit watery. Otherwise it is nicely contributory and actually bolsters the creaminess and milk chocolates of the taste. This is a tasty offering, and pleasant on nitro, but be sure to drink it on the cooler side for that full effect.

Serving type: nitro-tap

05-19-2013 15:12:30 | More by TheBrewo

JohnQVD

New York

4.1/5  rDev +3.5%
look: 5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.25

Dark black with a with a thick, creamy, light tan head that leaves a bit behind on the glass. Very light smell, perhaps too light, just a touch of roasted malt. Nice coffee and roasted flavors with a burnt coffee aftertaste. Smooth, heavy, almost chewy feel.

Very enjoyable for the style.

Serving type: nitro-tap

04-20-2013 23:29:41 | More by JohnQVD

Tucquan

Pennsylvania

3.61/5  rDev -8.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5

Had this on 2013-03-30 at the brew pub

A - opaque dark brown with strong tan head and great lace

S - almost no smell

T - somewhat sour malt with a bit if chocolate and decent roasted and hop bitterness.

M - creamy. Medium body and very light carbonation.

O - decent but won't seek it out. Kudos for lots of flavor for low ABV.

Serving type: nitro-tap

03-30-2013 16:16:17 | More by Tucquan

kylelenk

Michigan

3.43/5  rDev -13.4%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Nitro-tap from the Founders Taproom.

A: Pretty much what you would expect from a nitro-stout. Comparable color profile to Guinness although the cascade isn't quite as spectacular.

S: Not too much on the nose. Just a normal barley smell with nothing really sticking out.

T: Don't get me wrong, I love this beer. It's an easy drinker after a night of heavier Founders beers or something you can drink without getting a buzz on (4.5% ABV). For some reason, I can't find anything exceptional about this beer. It has it's moments and it is sure to please for those looking for a simple brew.

Serving type: nitro-tap

10-25-2012 18:36:10 | More by kylelenk

JamesShoemaker

New York

3.73/5  rDev -5.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Nitro tap at the brewery.

Appearance - looks just like you'd expect on nitro, very dark brown with a nice, dark head.

Smell - mediocre. Didn't catch much other than alcohol, which is surprising given the low content.

Taste - not bad, a very light stout. Very drinkable but also very plain.

Mouthfeel - definitely the highlight. Feels great going down.

Overall - not bad, but look for other nitro offerings when you go to brewery.

Serving type: nitro-tap

09-21-2012 16:27:11 | More by JamesShoemaker

cagocubs

Illinois

3.78/5  rDev -4.5%
look: 5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Nitro-tapped at Founder's Brewery.

A: An absolutely beautiful looking beer. A heaping foamy, bubbly, and thick head fights its way from the bottom to the top of the glass. A massive amount of carbonation forming a gigantic head that is full in every sense of the word. Black with a off white/tan head. Great lacing once the foam tames.

S: Not a whole lot going on. Some roasted malt, and caramel/vanilla sweetness. Pretty wet and watery smell for a stout.

T: A nice balanced taste. I would like to try their OS without being nitro-tapped. I feel like the massive head retention and foamed and full mouthfeel may have taken away basic flavors. With that being said, it was still tasty with roasty and sweet tones.

M: Great mouthfeel as it was full and creamy with nice mouth coating and lasting aftertaste.

Serving type: nitro-tap

05-17-2012 01:10:02 | More by cagocubs

kylehay2004

Florida

4/5  rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Added from notes I have finally gotten around to adding that I took over thanksgiving weekend last year.

A: single finger head on a jet black body, no real light getting through. Good head retention.

S: roasted malts, sweet chocolate malts and mocha/coffee notes.

T: follows the nose with more roasted malts, a slight hop bitterness and coffee/cocoa notes to the finish.

M: full bodied and moderate carbonation. semi-dry finish.

Overall: Lots of flavor for the low ABV. One of the better oatmeal stouts which at times can be "under-powered" for flavor.

Serving type: on-tap

04-22-2012 01:25:03 | More by kylehay2004

dbrauneis

New Jersey

3.45/5  rDev -12.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Served on tap at The Pony Bar in New York, NY

A: Pours a dark black with a finger high tan head. The head reduces to a thing layer of bubbles across the entire top of the beer. Significant lacing is observed.

S: Very mild smell with hints of roasted malts, caramel, and a subtle chocolate + coffee.

T: Moderate amounts of roasted malts, coffee, chocolate, and oats (like in an oat bran bread). Nice complexity and some subtle hints of sweetness that I generally associate more with a milk stout. No taste of alcohol but that is not surprising considering the low ABV.

M: Medium bodied with light to moderate amounts of carbonation. Slightly thin and dry in the finish.

O: Pretty easy to drink and combined with low ABV make it quite sessionable. Very enjoyable with a light flavor and one to have again if I come across it.

Serving type: on-tap

03-07-2012 01:17:55 | More by dbrauneis

minterro

Michigan

3.58/5  rDev -9.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5

Consumed at Crunchy's in East Lansing (I guess its the only place outside of Founders that has it)

From notes on a napkin

A: great thick globs of tan foamy head. Deep black colored beer. Probably the best head I've ever seen. When I was done drinking it I spun the head around the glass and it filled up the whole glass.

S: sweet malts and caramel

T: Kind of a bland taste. Coffee, bready grains, sweet sugars. Very slight bitterness to this beer. Even a bit of citrus, which is quite weird for the style. Tastes as low in ABV.

M: fairly low bodied and low carbonation. However, it is very drinkable.

O: overall not very impressive, probably the worst founders beer I've had thus far.

*I was feeling a little under the weather when I tried this beer.

Serving type: nitro-tap

11-02-2011 02:59:21 | More by minterro

BStalf21

Illinois

2.6/5  rDev -34.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 4 | overall: 2.5

I'm big on Founders beers and their specialty stouts are among my favorites. Maybe I had high expectations when I finally made the trip up to grand rapids but that hasn't stopped me from being impressed by good beer at other brewery's. That being said I found this to be a very pretty yet bland beer. It had everything going for it but it tasted like a stout for the masses. And, the feel I got from the crowed and some other brewery only offerings was that they were trying to appeal to the masses. Not a lot of flavor I'm sure anyone who's favorite beer is Guinness Draught would think it's great but I'd take a Samuel Smith oatmeal stout any day over this.

Serving type: nitro-tap

10-18-2011 03:57:02 | More by BStalf21

4DAloveofSTOUT

Illinois

4.15/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

reviewed from notes.
Drank @ Founders taproom on 9/30/2011.

Bar keep poured this beer into Nonic / Imperial style Pint glass.

Appearance: medium black colored beer. Huge fluffy, creamy, & pillowy head thats off white in color. The lacing on this beer is amazing! You can see every time I took a drink of this beer marked by a line on side of the glass! Heavy thick lacing.

Smell: Really mild nose barely getting any major smells from this beer. Maybe some chocolate and roast. Subtle.

Taste: Nice mild to moderate roastiness from the malts. Mild oaty note; some nice combonation of bakers & milk chocolates. Its quite robust for an oatmeal stout with such a low abv.

Mouthfeel: The mouthfeel has some wow factor in this beer. Low end of medium bodied beer with a lower low carbonation. The beer is as paradox because it is very drinkable, but it still feels heavier than a session beer because of the robust flavors. Ultra creamy and silky. Ultimate oatmeal stout as far as the mouthfeel is concerned!

Overall: This is without a doubt my favorite oatmeal stout. I have drank it many times visiting the Founder Taproom and I always look forward to it being at the Taproom! If you love Oatmeal Stouts you better try this. Founders PLEASE bottle this beer!

Serving type: on-tap

10-04-2011 21:08:51 | More by 4DAloveofSTOUT

mikesgroove

South Carolina

4.15/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

jet black, and thick looking as well with an almost oil like appearance, really quite nice. Rich chocolate colored tan foam that rose up a good two inches over the top of the glass before finally settling down to a thin half inch layer that lasted the rest of the session, but not before dropping copious amounts of side glass lace all over the sides. Really nice and a classic stout look.

So as I go in and take a closer look I was a bit surprised to be honest. This really did not smell much like an oatmeal stout. At least to me it was much more reminiscent of a Baltic porter, well at first it did. It had that sharp alcohol nose to it and a hint of some dark spicy fruit mixed in. Quite interesting and definitely more then a little unique. I decided to let it warm to really bring out what was hiding in here and then came out the nice sweet notes of chocolate and coffee along with hints of lactose that I was looking for. The flavors followed along with a hint again something sweet, but yet a tart sort of fruit flavor as well. Very nice. Very rich full body on this one with great carbonation that never really gave up any ground at all.

Serving type: on-tap

08-24-2011 03:28:14 | More by mikesgroove

BBP

Ontario (Canada)

3.93/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Nitro-tap sampler at the brewery

A- Gorgeous. Thick black with creamy head and ample lacing. The lacing was what made it look like more than a Guinness clone.

S- Extremely light aromas. Not offensive, but needs more potency.

T- Oatmeal and coffee. Slight hop presence. Sweetness is definitely under control for an oatmeal stout. The only downside is it's simplicity.

M- Creamy and full. A little light, but still filling.

O- Very drinkable. Could easily stick with this brew all night. Would make a great year round offering as a more introductory brew, but still somewhat satisfying for the more seasoned beer advocate.

Serving type: nitro-tap

06-14-2011 15:14:55 | More by BBP

TheSevenDuffs

Ontario (Canada)

4.3/5  rDev +8.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On nitro-tap at the brewery.

A - Dark black with one finger of creamy light brown head with good retention.

S - Roasted malts, a nice sweetness, some coffee.

T - Sweet roasted malts. Some coffee. Some bittermess in the finish.

M - Creamy. Light carbonation.

D - A superb stout.

Serving type: nitro-tap

03-14-2011 14:22:15 | More by TheSevenDuffs

kzoobrew

Michigan

3.68/5  rDev -7.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Deep black body, appeared to be opaque. Creamy malted milk colored head seated atop. Very impressive retention, to be expected in a beer from nitro tap, clearing scattered lacing clinging to the glass.

Hints of chocolate and roasted malts. The aroma is rather subdued overall. I was not expecting huge aromas but hoped for something a bit brighter.

Much like the aroma, the flavors are rather soft. Roasted malt and slight bitter cocoa powder. Very earthy flavor underneath. Simple and solid flavor, does leave you wanting something more.

Medium bodied stout. Smooth and creamy texture though you can thank the nitro tap for this.

Easy drinking low alcohol stout. Could certainly enjoy a few in a sitting but it would be easy to become bored. A very solid beer overall but it just a bit boring.

Serving type: nitro-tap

01-23-2011 01:09:12 | More by kzoobrew

TheBear11D

Michigan

3.53/5  rDev -10.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

Nitro-tap pint

Pours a thick black color with a thick creamy dark brown head with excellent lacing.

Chocolate and roasted malts are present up front with caramel notes also noticeable.

Flavors are not very present. Chocolate, caramel and roasted malts are noticeable but somewhat blended with earthy undertones.

Thick body but very smooth with the nitro-tap.

Fairly drinkable but not enough to rank with the best. I am looking for a little more flavor.

Serving type: nitro-tap

01-11-2011 03:17:25 | More by TheBear11D

Thorpe429

Illinois

3.95/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Nitro-tap at the brewery.

Pours near black with a fairly-thick tan head with pretty good retention, though nothing exceptional for a nitro beer. A bit of lacing on the way down. The nose brings a good amount of roast plus some chocolate and a slight amount of coffee. The toast is dry and quite roasty. Chocolate and coffee there. Mouthfeel is a bit too roasted and dry; medium body. Drinks quite well and is one of the better oatmeal stouts I've had, though nothing really stands out here.

Serving type: nitro-tap

01-02-2011 03:29:30 | More by Thorpe429

LilBeerDoctor

New York

2.55/5  rDev -35.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

Reviewed on 6/27/2010. On nitro tap at Founders. Pours black with a thick nitro head. Aroma of sweet roasted malt and an odd skunk-like aroma (odd in a tap beer, but it was there). Flavor of sweet roasted malt plus the odd skunk (less apparent but still there). It was very bland tasting -- not bad just bland. I was disappointed, as I had expected better from Founders but this is not one of their winners.

Serving type: nitro-tap

12-24-2010 00:50:41 | More by LilBeerDoctor

drpimento

Wisconsin

4.33/5  rDev +9.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Man, this is tasty stuff! Served with a fine, foamy, creamy, light brown head that lasts a while and lots of lace. Color is an opaque brown black. Aroma is roast, toast, cocoa, malt. Taste is like nose and has a great bitter/sweet balance off set with a little carbonic tang that works perfectly. Body is great and so is carbonation. Finish is like flavor and fairly long. Session beer for slower drinking.

Serving type: on-tap

11-29-2010 00:55:24 | More by drpimento

MrMcGibblets

Illinois

4.15/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A: black w tan head and good lacing.
S: chocolate and coffee.
T: really nice, drinks a bit bigger than the abv suggests. Well balanced between the lightly sweet dark roasty malts and smooth hop bitterness. Not overly roasty but rich and creamy.
M: drinks bigger than it is, almost medium bodied. Creamy roundish mouthfeel but not slick. Well carbonated and frothy.
D: great at this abv. Had a couple, hopefully they bottle this.
Note: this was not nitro

Serving type: on-tap

11-08-2010 22:58:27 | More by MrMcGibblets

nickadams2

New York

4.47/5  rDev +12.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

On tap at Founders. Nitro tap.

A_Jet black with a thick and creamy khaki colored head that lasts forever. Lacing blankets the glass.

S_Roasted barley,coffee,cocoa.

T_Very rich. Roasted barley,espresso,chocolate malt,cream,cocoa,with an earthy undertone.Nutty.

M_Super thick and creamy. Spot on for a nitro oatmeal stout.

D_Super rich and delicious plus a low ABV make this very drinkable.

Serving type: nitro-tap

10-24-2010 23:25:58 | More by nickadams2

kbutler1

Minnesota

3.68/5  rDev -7.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at Founders. Poured into a pilsner type glass. Pours a deep brown non see through color with a pillowy tight bubbled head. This on nitro? Sure f'ing is I'm told. Looks very Guinnessy. Roasted malt type aroma with a nutty type notes. Very creamy mouthfeel. Light coffee aftertaste with the some sweetness. Very creamy. Good lace.

Serving type: on-tap

09-15-2010 20:54:55 | More by kbutler1

Avagadro

New Jersey

4.35/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

A: black, opaque, and velvety, this brew displays a marvelous creamy mocha colored head of two fingers and admirable retention.

S: sweet malts mingle with tangy roasted malts for an interesting bouquet.

T: this seems to be a dry Irish stout with a touch of oats added. Roasty, with a touch of tang, this stout is much more flavorful than your average oatmeal stout.

M: extremely creamy from the nitro, and velvety from the oats. The mouthfeel is one of this beer's best attributes.

D: I have always loved this brew, but it's so hard to order it among all of the other, more glamorous, offerings at the taproom. Nonetheless, this is a great stout and is definitely worth a chance.

Serving type: nitro-tap

06-05-2010 22:27:59 | More by Avagadro

sweemzander

Illinois

4.15/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Nitro tap pour at Founders

(A)- Brought to me while still cascading! Fantastic pitch black color with a creamy looking tan head that isnt going anywhere; it is still present with the last sip and left lacing all the way down the glass as it was consumed.

(S)- Toasted nuts and coffee with a touch of cocoa dusted raisins.

(T)- Dry, yet creamy cocoa and coffee with a touch of burnt bitterness yet is slightly sweet. Molasses and raisins in the background. A little nuttiness thrown in with the coffee character; hazelnut?

(M)- Superb balance and carbonation level. A bit lighter in body that I expected; this reminds me more of a dry irish stout like Guinness. Creamy smooth going down.

(D)- This is something you order a keg of! Has everything great about a stout and has the drinkability of a great session beer. Fantastic flavor, balance, and drinkability?! Just solid stuff. My only complaint is where is the oatmeal? This just reminds me of an Irish dry stout to me.

Serving type: nitro-tap

10-31-2009 15:13:35 | More by sweemzander

adamette

Ohio

4.08/5  rDev +3%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

Poured from the tap at the brewery yesterday during my visit there into a clean, clear pint glass.

A GREAT creamy head that lasts for 15 minutes. Appropriately black body with no light getting through. Lace is more like a curtain of creamy silk. 5.0

S Dark roast malt with oatmeal grains. Right on target for the style. 4.0

T Nice, deep dark roast malt, oatmeal, bread like feel. A great oatmeal stout, almost as good as Dark Horse Brewing Company Oatmeal Stout that I had a few days ago for the first time. 4.5

M Thinner than I expected but the creamy head and oatmeal tastes make this like bread in a pint. 4.0

D Fair. The style does not lend itself to be particularly drinkable in my opinion. Make no mistake, this is a great beer but the style is not terribly drinkable. 3.0

Serving type: on-tap

10-19-2009 02:43:02 | More by adamette