Shakespeare Oatmeal Stout - Rogue Ales

infinitejester

Massachusetts

4.38/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Presentation: A pint bottle poured into a tulip glass. It was accompanied with light brie cheese.

Appearance: Poured a deep brown and settled to black rendering the glass opaque. The head was quite generous, at least an inch, and bubbly and a light brownish-tan color. After subsiding the head retained throughout drinking and left a light lacing on the tulip glass.

Smell: Perhaps the most inviting part of this oatmeal stout. I was at once presented with a smoky and coffee scent. There was also some chocolate and even some caramel present. The aroma was very clean and inviting. I really did look forward to the smell upon each sip.

Taste: Consistent with the smell. Prominent notes of smoky coffee tempered with a lightly-earthy and bittersweet chocolate. It really was well balanced.

Mouthfeel: Perfectly carbonated. Felt rather light for its style yet there was even some subtle chewiness to it.

Overall: This really was a fantastic beer. A complex smell & taste, while maintaining a humble balance. I'm looking forward to the next one. How did I feel upon finishing?

"Parting is such sweet sorrow."
-William Shakespeare (Romeo & Juliet II.ii)

Serving type: bottle

05-16-2011 01:47:39 | More by infinitejester

Jdouble777

Virginia

3.5/5  rDev -16.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

Appreance- Looks absolutely scrumptious with choclately tones and smooth stout medium head

Smell- Aromas just do not match the look, there is a faint nutty choclate mix, hazelnut maybe, but overall the smell is not punctual or alluring

Taste- Smooth, easiest to drink stout I have ever experienced; however, it does not pop at all and finishes kinda boring

Mouthfeel- Goes down soooo smooth, gentle and light

Overall- Good solid beer, but not Rogue worthy and defiantly not 90+...great winter drinking beer

Serving type: on-tap

08-11-2012 18:47:19 | More by Jdouble777

WORT

Massachusetts

4.35/5  rDev +3.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This is one of my favorite stouts. Long lasting aroma, long lasting creamy head, and it also comes in a cool 650ml bottle.

Serving type: bottle

02-27-2002 20:29:00 | More by WORT

TackleDummy

New Jersey

4.43/5  rDev +5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

The pour is very dark. It reminds me of coffee.

The head is creamy and brownish beige and smells a bit nutty. The head left almost no lace on the glass as it receded.

The taste is of chocolate and roasted malt flavor. There is a bit of bitterness. Some of the bitterness and roasted flavors stay with you until you take the next sip.

The mouthfeel was super smooth with a medium body. This is definately an easy drinker and a good candidate for a sesion beer.

Thinking about it makes my mouth water. I think I'll have another.

Serving type: bottle

02-05-2005 01:18:42 | More by TackleDummy

beernightscout

Illinois

4.5/5  rDev +7.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

What a wonderful beer. Comes in 22 oz. size only, as far as I can tell. Pours black, with a big head for a stout. Smells great: coffee, chocolate, smoke, and a sweetness your nose can detect. And it tastes like it smells and is quite sweet, though it's thinner than I expected, thinner than Guiness. If it was thick, it'd be a perfect, if expensive, every day beer. $5 at Armanetti on Lincoln just south of Addison. Say hi to Dave.

Serving type: bottle

11-19-2005 23:39:13 | More by beernightscout

Morningstar

Washington

3.7/5  rDev -11.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

I am a fan of the works of William Shakespeare. So when I sit down to read one of his plays, I like to pop open a bottle and sit and read.

I like this stout it's very robust and understated. It has a nice bitterness that I enjoy in a stout. It also has a good after taste.

I enjoy drinking this stout along with some fish and chips.

I would definitely recomend this stout to everyone. You will enjoy it immensely.

Serving type: bottle

02-01-2007 19:01:41 | More by Morningstar

LiquidLord

New Jersey

4.72/5  rDev +12.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

A - Pours black, with some slight amount of light getting through around the edges. Tan head that dissipates quickly, leaving some lacing.

S - Earthy, with some slight toasted notes. Pleasing, but a little weak.

T - Absolutely delicious from start to finish. Starts off with charcoal and toasted bread flavors, and finishes with hints of dark chocolate, more charcoal, and some coffee as well. Malty throughout, with a little hop bitterness coming through at the end. Very well crafted.

M - Not too much carbonation, and nicely creamy.


D - One of the most drinkable stouts I've had. Despite the great concentration of flavor and opaque appearance, I found myself going on to the second glass without much thought.


Overall, this is one of the best stouts I've tried. Great balance and drinkability, and terrific flavor.

Serving type: bottle

05-28-2009 01:32:21 | More by LiquidLord

HopHeadJimmy34

California

3.5/5  rDev -16.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5

Very good pour from a bomber, dark with a nice light amber head. Good smell not too strong like some stouts. Some earthy and coffee tones. Tastes good at first drink, and is smooth with not a lot of alcohol taste. Lacks the creaminess of a great stout. Also like the Rogue Chocolate stout, it almost has an over carbonated feel to it. Probably would not buy again.

Serving type: bottle

01-08-2011 01:36:04 | More by HopHeadJimmy34

maltmelon

New Mexico

3.15/5  rDev -24.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a bomber into a pint glass. From the fridge, let it warm for approx. 15 min.

A - Dark, dark brown. About a 1/2 inch of sand-colored head. Medium lacing.
S - Slightly toasty.
T - Seemed a bit on the hoppy side for what I'd expect from a stout. Got some of the toastiness too, but the hops were a little overwhelming.
M - Light carbonation, neither thin not thick.
O - Nothing to get either really excited about or complain about. Very average, I might feel better about it if it wasn't so pricey. Would have preferred to taste the malt more.

Serving type: bottle

05-12-2011 21:09:35 | More by maltmelon

syu3003

Michigan

4.08/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Served in a pint glass at the pdx airport via nitro line. Beautifully pours creamy black with two fingers head. Aroma not too apparent as it was served in a pint, but hints of a malty essence and oatmeal of course. Drinks thick and creamy and very delicious. Although nothing really stands out about this beer, it is very drinkable and balanced and extremely satisfying especially waiting for a flight departure. Highly recommend stopping by the rogue taproom at pdx, and a friendly bartender! Cheers!

Serving type: nitro-tap

06-24-2012 05:16:07 | More by syu3003

ddellarocca

New York

3.88/5  rDev -7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 3.5

Without being as weak as Guiness, the scores I gave for taste and drinkability are about the highest I will ever give a stout. I am not much of a stout drinker, but I definitely gained new respect for the name "stout". After drinking too many creamy, almost fluffy, stouts, I had forgotten how deep a beer's flavor can go. The bouquet was perfect and, even though it didn't fit my tastes, the flavor was very diverse, hitting the normal chocolate and coffee a stout brings, but also hiding a hint of honey. Definitely the highlight of my night.

Serving type: bottle

11-02-2005 02:54:51 | More by ddellarocca

mikegodat

Washington

4.88/5  rDev +16.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

What an awesome experience.
A Esspresso brown with a carmel colored head, great lacing.

S Reminded me of mollasses, sweet, pungent and enticing

T Hoppy for a stout, not excessivly bitter, nice chocolate/coffee mix with a little citrus rind mixed in.

M Can I say heaven in my mouth?

D I would have to say Yes, draft, bottle or from someone elses glass

Serving type: bottle

10-15-2007 00:22:11 | More by mikegodat

augusta

Georgia

4.75/5  rDev +13.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Appearance - Dark Brown, light head
Smell - Chocolaty
Taste - Nice Chocolaty after taste
Mouth Feel - Nice full taste, not too heavy
Drinkability - I'll definitely be buying this again
This is a great beer, The way it should be. Buy It. Drink It. Enjoy It. Best I've had yet.

Serving type: bottle

11-22-2007 21:39:30 | More by augusta

fascistfaction

Pennsylvania

5/5  rDev +19.3%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Come on, it is a stout that makes all others bow to it. One of the best beers, no matter what style , ever brewed and drank in my opinion. Oh yeah....
22 once bottle bought in a 12 pack at a distributor in Pittsburgh, PA (we can not buy beer in supermarkets, gas stations, ect., there are dedicated distributors for beer).

taste - slight chocolate with a overtone of mussels (maybe it is just me)?

appearance - black beauty with fine carbonation that lingers around with an agresive pour into a 20 ounce Guinness glass.

mouthfeel - wants more, smooth and delicious with the carbonation lacing nicely on the glass and the teeth, I suppose.

smell - chocolate, cofffee-ish (a made a new word) excellence that dissapates slowly and enhances the subtle tones of seafood (again, maybe it is me).

drinkability- at $66.00 a case this is a bargain in my mind....Chimay brand can have it's $150.00 a case nose into the air but must look at the kid kicking it in the shins...enjoy

Serving type: bottle

08-31-2008 00:27:46 | More by fascistfaction

pb342

New Jersey

4.65/5  rDev +11%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

A: excellent caramel colored head, deep dark brown (ebony) appearance, subtle carbonation. The head speaks to me and says "drink me".

S: sweet, roasty, chocolate smells

T: A first deep sip initially makes me aware of its roasty, chocolate taste. Aftertaste displays its true roast flavor as the initial chocolate taste fades away.

Mouthfeel: heavy but yet very smooth. Feels like velvet on my toungue

D: The smoothness of the beer makes it very easy to drink. Don't even dare to chug this beer or drink it fast because this beer is too superior to be mistreated like a busch light during a drinking game at a frat party.

Serving type: bottle

12-18-2008 20:31:12 | More by pb342

Olorin

Texas

4.9/5  rDev +16.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

I've read a review that described this beer as a " force to be reckoned with ". I would second that motion. Pours very similar to Rogues Choc. Stout. The aroma, initially, is three fold: Hops, Alcohol and Burnt Chocolate in that order. This beer is so intense its difficult to describe. My first drink ( a long draw ) reminds me of two things: Orange and Grapefruit Zest. Once that bitterness subsides - and stay with it because it will pass, you realize that deep roasted, smokey malt smoothness gives balance to the tremendous right hook that is the cascade hops. If the only thing you've ever had is Bud, Coors or Miller you will not ' get ' this beer. There is no brewery out there that does hops like Rogue. There are so many things going on at once with this beer, it's difficult to keep track of it all. It's bitter and smooth, espresso like and hoppy, nutty and smokey and the taste lingers, it really hangs in there. The flavor of this beer is all encompasing. If this beer doesn't move you, nothing will.

Additional note: this beer doesn't reach it's true potential until it has been " cured " for at least 18 months - like sitting in the back of your fridge type cured, preferably for two years. If you don't wait this long, or if you don't find a bottle that is that old, you will have what I refer to as a " green " beer. Believe me when I say this beer will taste primarily like grapefruit peel and not much more if it hasn't been aged for that long. Shakespeare Stout isn't for everyone and certainly not for the faint of heart.

Serving type: bottle

03-07-2005 07:02:46 | More by Olorin

ShowMeYourHops

Hawaii

4.55/5  rDev +8.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Poured out of a bottle into a common mug

Appearance: Color is a deep dark brown to nearly black. Cannot see through the beer. Head is creamy to dark brown in color, lacing is excellent.

Smell: Roasted malts are an absolute, possibly hints of chocolate and coffee as well. The second you open the bottle the roasted malt fragrance is prevalent.

Taste: Roasted malts, coffee, and again a slight chocolate taste.

Mouthfeel: Very smooth in the mouth, little carbonation on the tongue, creamy overall flavor and feel.

Drinkability: Good to above average.

Overall: For stouts this beer faired very well in my opinion. The flavor is great, the fragrance is excellent, the only down side to it is that I'm sure it's not an easy find on the east coast of the United States. This would be a great beer paired with red meat like a steak or lamb; or to just enjoy by itself. As for the big question "would I have another?" Yes I would. Enjoy!

Serving type: bottle

11-09-2010 06:08:39 | More by ShowMeYourHops

cbgbslev

New Jersey

4.55/5  rDev +8.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

22 oz. bottle poured into a SA perfect pint.

A: The stout pours jet black in color with a 1 finger deep mocha head. very good retention and very nice lacing.

S: I smell a little bittersweet chocolate and coffee and definitely oats.

T: I get a nice balance of oats and roast malt. some coffee and molasses. a little hop bitterness but nothing extreme.

M: Medium thick mouthfeel. velvety texture and perfect level of carbonation. I wish my mouth felt this way all the time.

D: I loved this beer and could easily have a couple more bottles. the alcohol is well hidden and doesn't detract at all.

I can't wait to add this to my list of go-to favorites. definitely having these in stock in my cabinet

Serving type: bottle

03-09-2011 05:45:14 | More by cbgbslev

DS31

New Jersey

2.86/5  rDev -31.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3

The color was quite dark and the moderate head was a beautiful tan color. I was looking forward to this one after reading some of the very good reviews. However, this brew had a bitter aftertaste that I could not get away from. Perhaps I got an off bottle and will make another try..

Serving type: bottle

04-02-2013 22:45:36 | More by DS31

Possumlad

Illinois

4.03/5  rDev -3.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured pitch black with a 1/2" head (room temperature); substantial, almost sticky in the mouth, with a lasting presence even after swallowing. Aroma could have been stronger, but the taste more than made up for it. Woody Roasted Malt first, followed by dark chocolate and coffee. Wonderful all around. I'd have a second, and maybe third, in a single sitting.

Serving type: bottle

12-03-2005 01:51:08 | More by Possumlad

andyf847

Illinois

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

I'm not sure what to say. This is (and the chocolate stout) are the only stouts I have liked. Very dark color, good head, smooth, tasted like I think a stout should taste. I must make the comment length longer, so I am adding this sentence to make my comment longer. I really have no other thoughts on this beer. I will be buying again though.

Serving type: bottle

05-06-2006 01:19:48 | More by andyf847

locarboy

Illinois

3.58/5  rDev -14.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

22 oz bottle from sam's liquor in chicago. Pours black with dark brown fluffy head. Nice roasted coffee and dark chocolate aroma that mingled with the aroma of cascade hops. The mouth feel wasn't what I expected with it having oatmeal as one of the ingredients. Nice lacing down the glass. Had a bit of a smokey, phenolic flavor (is it infected?). I expected more of a dark chocolate flavor. An interesting beer. There are other stouts I'd buy over this, but it was very drinkable all the same.

Serving type: bottle

01-13-2007 01:14:18 | More by locarboy

bigpapa1080

Alaska

4.43/5  rDev +5.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A - Poured almost obsidian black with a nice dark tan 2 finger head into a pint glass.

S - Malty with strong hints of chocolate. Despite being 69 IBUs it did not smell bitter whatsoever.

T - Malt with chocolate and oatmeal, similar to Samuel Smiths Oatmeal Stout.

M - Very creamy, feels like it should almost be a milkshake. Super smooth although not too heavy. Lingers on the palate for a bit after swallowing, but in a good way.

O - This is my new favorite stout, and to top Samuel Smiths and Alaskan is very good (to me at least). Would make a great ice cream beer float if that's your thing.

Note - I had mild sinus congestion when I wrote this, so some categories might be a bit off.

Serving type: bottle

05-26-2012 05:53:16 | More by bigpapa1080

BierDrinker

Nova Scotia (Canada)

2.71/5  rDev -35.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

Pretty much an opaque black colour with a tan head the hangs around for awhile with a small amount of lacing.

A confusing aroma. Sweet, floral but a metallic smell to it.

Medium strong flavour on the bitter side. Notes of toast, coffee and herbal.

Medium body with a lively amount of carbonation. I found it a bit astringent and again, metallic feeling. Like the sensation from licking stainless steel if that makes sense?

A longer than average bitter finish but not intense.

As far as stouts go, this one is a little too light and bitter for my tastes. The subtle metallic smell and taste kind of threw me off. I'm new at paying attention to what I taste, so I could be mistaking that sensation for something else.

Serving type: bottle

03-02-2013 01:37:01 | More by BierDrinker