Terrapin Coffee Oatmeal Imperial Stout - Terrapin Beer Company

MacQ32

South Carolina

4.48/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A - Pours a near black with a small caramel colored head that quickly dissipates leaving only thin outer ring around the edge of the glass. Ok lacing

S - Roasty coffee grounds, sweet chocolate/oatmeal notes, sweet caramel malts.

T - All the aromas come through in the taste. Sweet oatmeal and chocolate flavors transition into a nice bitter roasty coffee flavor, perfect balance.

M - Medium bodied, not too heavy, mildly carbonated. Could drink a 4 pack of these for breakfast everyday.

O - Probably my favorite coffee stout, sweet and roasty well balanced and super tasty. love it

Serving type: growler

02-15-2012 17:13:49 | More by MacQ32

DmanGTR

New York

4.5/5  rDev +4.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Review from notes from December 09

Big roasty stout with a lovely black body and tan head. Pretty rocky. Lots of roasted coffee beans, hint of toast, tobacco, and a sweetness of oatmeal. All of this is nicely balanced and blended well with a bit of vanilla. Cocoa bitterness in the finish, no alcohol detected. Creamy, silky mouthfeel. I would easily finish a growler of this.

Serving type: growler

06-10-2010 19:40:42 | More by DmanGTR

gatorbreath

Fiji

4.28/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Had a growler of this with my friend for his first time getting busy one some heady stout.

I really enjoyed the dark full appearance with a frothy chocolate head. Appearance is definitely intriguing. Smells of coffee/chocolate/slightly of oats and possibly some dark fruit even. Definitely malty. The taste is reflective of the smell: coffee, not so much oaty, but the chocolaty/coffee taste was definitely there for the taking. The mouthfeel is very full and very fitting for a stout.

Really enjoyed this, and my friend who I put down, he said it improved his athletic performance on Monday AM after we imbibed on Saturday evening. Put that in yer pipe.

Serving type: growler

02-28-2010 01:31:42 | More by gatorbreath

Stigs

Pennsylvania

4.08/5  rDev -5.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

growler filled yesterday @ FatHead's, poured into a standard pint glass

A - very thin layer of Wendy's Frosty colored head, tight and frothy...lacing down the glass. the beer is a very very dark brown, near black...like a strong cup of coffee.

S - loads and loads of (fresh) iced coffee, bitter and strong but not stale. underneath is some nuttyness and bread.

T - tastes just like super strong iced coffee, with extra notes of some milk chocolate, nuts, and biscuits. very little alcohol warming near the end.

M - big and creamy, yet big carbonation (a little too much). looks a bit thicker in the body than it actually is.

D - coffee fans will dig this, light body aids in being able to drink more of this. great for after dinner, not sure about the placebo effect but i got a little bit of a caffeine buzz off this.

one of the better coffee stouts, but not the best. lacking only in mouthfeel and a little bit of character.

Serving type: growler

11-26-2009 21:56:00 | More by Stigs

taylorhamrick

South Carolina

4.18/5  rDev -2.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I saved this growler for a few days until I had people to share it with and didn't have anything to do the next day.

Pours out dark, with a big brown head. Looks beautiful. Smells like fresh coffee, and hell, if coffee were carbonated, this is what it would look like. I doubt if even the most distinguishing noses could pick up more than that, and if you're looking for a coffee stout, this is what you're looking for. The taste matches. It's like coffee, but cold, carbonated, and alcoholic. Don't give me any cream, or sugar or any other bullshit, just this. I don't even drink coffee, and I'm exited to continue drinking this. The bitterness of coffee is where it's at. Like the mouthfeel of a DIPA, but dark and roasted and coffee bitter. For a second, particularly with my lack of coffee experience, it tastes a bit too bitter afterwards, but I can't give this the most incredible rating, unless there ever becomes a category for coffee or other flavored stouts, but this is where it's at. Though I shared this with my roomates and friends (only a bit), I drank 3 whole imperial pint glasses full and could've drank more. Give me any other double/imperial stout that wouldn't make me black out after 3.
But it if you want a coffee stout.

Serving type: growler

12-13-2008 03:49:04 | More by taylorhamrick

HeyItsChili

South Carolina

3.95/5  rDev -8.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A - slowly glugs out of the bottle and pours pitch black with a very thin dark tan head that clings for safety to the edges of my pint glass

S - dark, dark, roasted coffee, slightly bitter, with some chocolate in there

T - bitter coffee with dark chocolate notes

M - thick and creamy

D - delicious, but my personal preferences aren't conducive to drinking more than one or two thick coffee stouts in one sitting

Serving type: growler

12-11-2008 00:41:10 | More by HeyItsChili

Charleston

South Carolina

4.53/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

Poured into a pint glass from a growler from the Charleston Beer Exchange.

Pours a solid black with a little brown/burgundy head. Head dissipates very quickly.

Smell dominates of coffee. I pick up a little bit of chocolate too. Great aroma.

Sensational taste that gets you from the first note. Sweetness from the beginning, but it seems to fade out by the end. Aftertaste is mildly bitter of chocolate and of course coffee. High ABV is completely masked by the malts and coffee.

Mouthfeel is high point of this pint. Creamy, reminds me of the smooth creamy texture of an outmeal stout. I wonder if they used any oats in this brew.

Drinkability is great for the style. I mean it's a coffee stout so I am sharing my growler with friends.

Serving type: growler

12-06-2008 03:07:18 | More by Charleston

hopsputin

California

4.24/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

a: dark black, lets just the smallest amount of light through. dark tan 2 finger head that fades quick

s: its 2013, i'm drinking the 2012 vintage. pungent coffee beans punch you in the face...almost like spicy. dark chocolate, roasted malt, and a milky sweetness

t: i think the age may have mellowed out the coffee a bit (i've never had a fresh one). still...wow thats smooth! roasted coffee beans mixed with dark chocolate and oat. sweet dark berries, and a nice creaminess, probably due to the oats. there is a slight bitterness, but i can't tell if it comes from the roasted bean flavor or any kind of hop presence. there is a slight bit of coconut on the backend. you don't taste any alcohol, but you feel a slight tingle in the mouth

m: on the lighter side of full. it coats your mouth and hangs around for a while

o: keep in mind that this is a year old bottle. still a nice coffee stout (i do love coffee stouts). i want to get my hands on a fresher bottle, because i want to see if it makes a difference in the intensity of coffee flavor. its still really smooth, but i'd take FBS over this if it was between the two

Serving type: bottle

05-12-2013 05:37:46 | More by hopsputin

Uncle_Jimmy

California

3.91/5  rDev -9.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Appearance- beautiful dark pour with a half a finger of dark brown foam on top. completely opaque.

Smell- lots of coffee olives some vino mixed in. maybe a bit of dark chocolate.

Taste- velvety smooth rich coffee and a slight malt sweetness. slight resiny hop at the back end , but this drinks like a coffee more than it drinks like a beer.

Mouthfeel- like a mouthful of hot coffee and oats. soft silky texture a touch of alcohol warmth. Its done in a pleasing way.

Overall- a tasty coffee oatmeal imperial stout. It has done the best so far in combining coffee oatmeal and imperialness that I have ever tasted. I think a lot of beers/ breweries would get hung up on one aspect of that combo but all these flavors play very nice together.

Serving type: bottle

05-07-2013 19:08:18 | More by Uncle_Jimmy

StaveHooks

Oklahoma

4.35/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

12oz bottle
Vintage 2012

A - Black body with a thin espresso head. Looks very viscous like motor oil.

S - Sweet rich aroma (borderline artificial) dark chocolate, roasted espresso, vanilla, roasted black malts, freezer burn.

T - Sweet but bitter espresso, rich dark chocolate, vanilla, hints of raspberry tartness mixed in. Espresso comes back in and just dominates adding a nice bitterness on the back of the tongue.

M - Full bodied, nice silky feel, low carbonation.

Love the bold espresso character. Rich dark chocolate works very well with it. This beer is not messing around.

Serving type: bottle

04-27-2013 23:27:42 | More by StaveHooks

Maxwell

Massachusetts

4.55/5  rDev +5.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

The beer pours like thin, black motor oil with coffee brown tints. The beer pours with a small dark khaki head that quickly fades into a ring of tight small bubbles around the glass. In body, the beer is impenetrable to the eye. It sits in the glass as a dark and brooding enigma. The beer leaves a splotchy and light lacing, leaving slick dots of bubbles on the glass. On the nose, the beer smells of big meaty coffee beans with dry cocoa and some slight charred malts poking through. In many ways it smells like a very coffee forward mocha, with great nuances to the coffee smell. The smell is coffee heaven for sure. Comparable to Founder’s Breakfast Stout, only more coffee forward. On the tongue, the beer tastes sweet and then roasty bitter with slight savory hints of chocolate and meaty coffee. In flavors, the beer begins as sweet chocolate, almost moving into light dark fruit characters before it blossoms into roasted coffee and cocoa powder with light notes of charred malts. The flavors are superbly mellow and balanced, especially in comparison to the big nose, though still plenty large enough to please the palate. The finish is bitter black coffee with touches of light fruit and chocolate, which moves slowly into rich cocoa powder. The aftertaste is of light, generic dark fruit flavors with slight bitter coffee and a ghost of savory salt lingering on the tongue. In the mouth, the beer feels thick in body with a light velvety carbonation that helps the beer to slither across the palate. The mouth is left slightly wet with coffee’s bitter lingering feel. Overall, this is a phenomenal imperial stout with coffee and oatmeal. There are beautiful nuances in this beer and some beautiful balance between rather dominant flavors. This beer is in many ways comparable to Founder’s Breakfast Stout, and, in my current memory, it seems to have more balance and coffee richness than FBS. That being said, my bottle is a couple months old and might have mellowed from its original flavors. This beer is great, though, try it.

Serving type: bottle

04-24-2013 01:44:26 | More by Maxwell

Justin_Neff

Ohio

4.41/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Reviewed from notes on 3/26/13

A: Motor oil black body. Dark, tan colored head. Moderate lacing. Retention is ok - settles into a thin frothy head.

S: Nose is strong vanilla latte coffee. Lots of chocolate in the waft. Some nuttiness. This smells fantastic.

T: Chocolate, almost like a mocha latte. The vanilla is faint, but there are hints of hazelnut, almond in there as well.

M: Super creamy, medium-full body. Booze is basically invisible. Low-moderate carbonation.

O: Another very well done coffee brew. I would love to do a blind taste test between this and FBS, as they are very similar. By far my favorite Terrapin brew.

Serving type: bottle

04-21-2013 14:36:52 | More by Justin_Neff

Darkmagus82

Montana

4.31/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Poured from bottle into a pint glass

Appearance –The brew pours a pitch black color with a two finger brown colored head. The head fades rapidly at first leaving a small persistent brown head that fades slowly over time to leave a lighter level of lace on the sides of the glass.

Smell- The aroma is heaviest of chocolate, coffee and molassas. Mixed with these smells are some aromas of vanilla as well as smells of some oatmeal.

Taste – The taste begins with a sweet flavor of chocolate and oatmeal and dark fruits A strong coffee flavor, much stronger then the nose depicted, came to the tongue and was mixed with a light vanilla taste that grows stronger as the flavor advances. During this time the oatmeal like flavors grow in intensity from the beginning to the middle of the taste, only to dwindle some as the flavor moves on to the end. In the end, while the brew still maintains a high level of sweetness, it bitters slightly with a more burnt coffee like flavor coming to the tongue to leave a sweet and more roasted coffee flavor to linger on the tongue.

Mouthfeel – The body of the brew is on the creamier side, but has a high level of smoothness with a carbonation level that is on the slightly lower than average side. It is pretty nice for the style with it coasting the mouth in its robust flavors. The only thing that may have accentuated the oat flavors slightly more would have been a slightly chewier body, but even so, it was nice overall.

Overall – A rather enjoyable, sweet and coffee accentuating stout. A rather god drinker and one to try.

Serving type: bottle

04-21-2013 01:30:15 | More by Darkmagus82

rboinski

California

4.26/5  rDev -0.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 4.25

6 oz pour out of a 12 oz bottle into a FW Barrelworks Teku

Aroma: A bit one note, but a note I enjoy. Smells like high quality Kyoto iced coffee, rather than mass produced coffee brewed warm and allowed to stale and cool. Small amount of malty sweetness, as well as some chocolate and even a touch of vanilla.

Appearance: Opaque, black body with a fairly dark tan head. Almost no head, requires a vigorous swirl in the teku to develop a 1/2 inch head which dissipates within 15 seconds down to a thin ribbon which sticks to the glass.

Flavor: Strong coffee presence, malty chocolate sweetness comes in for a few seconds but is quickly masked with an espresso like bitterness that lingers on the palate. A tiny bit of dark chocolate character, sort of a dark fruitiness reminiscent of high quality dark chocolate melting in your mouth. 15 minutes after my last sip, some chocolate sweetness is still present in my mouth with less of the bitter espresso, which is actually quite pleasant.

Mouthfeel: Carbonation is almost too high, maybe should have let this sit in the glass a bit longer but I pulled the bottle out of the fridge early and it was at the right temperature to taste. Next time I might open it as I pull it out and let it warm in the glass to reduce the carbonation experienced. Moderate mouthfeel, to be honest I was expecting a bit more but it was sufficient.

Overall: Taking my cue from the name, and enjoyable beer to start the morning (that will be spent brainstorming for some writing). It has alcohol to help the ideas flow, and it has coffee to get those ideas quickly on the page before I forget them! Would be very enjoyable with a rich meal (this would be perfect with the hawaiian glazed Rib-Eye from Houston's) or possibly an espresso chocolate flourless cake.

Serving type: bottle

04-19-2013 16:04:19 | More by rboinski

drrone

Arizona

4.53/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

A - pours a nice jet black. 1 inch of light brown head that faded to leave a nice crown of lace.

S - Great coffee presence. Malty, with chocolate and slight touch of hops(?). Coffee definitely take the center stage here, but the nose is very nice.

T - Follows suit with the nose. Coffee, coffee and more coffee. Very good. A little boozy, but I like that.

M - Very nice medium to full body. Pretty easy to drink considering it is an imperial stout. Quite pleasant.

O - Very nice beer. I was looking for a good coffee stout and this delivered perfectly. It has a strong coffee foundation, but yet a few touches of other goodies to keep it intriguing. This was from a trade, but I will buy this beer again, when I see it.

Serving type: bottle

04-16-2013 18:28:39 | More by drrone

SSSBR1509

Florida

4.71/5  rDev +9.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Appearance- dark motor oil black with a dark tan head
Nose- huge coffee notes with a bit of alcohol heat too it a bit of dark bakers chocolate or a chocolate with a high caco %
Mouthfeel- big body but a bit too much carbonation for the style but it faded away as it warmed
Taste- on the forefront a dark espresso with dark chocolate followed by a slight dark fruit note and alcohol warmth
Overall- very complex and nice brew. i would defiantly recommend this too anyone whos is wanting a nice beer too sip on

Serving type: bottle

04-11-2013 23:50:23 | More by SSSBR1509

Powderhornphil

Minnesota

4.28/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

Thanks to ThickNStout for this long-time want. Pretty excited to finally try this one. Pours fairly thick with about 1 finger of deep brown head.

Smells like a pot of cooled coffee followed by chocolate. Some subtle alcohol notes are in there as well.

The taste starts with a big coffee bitterness followed by some chocolate sweetness. Then finishes bitter again.

Full mouthfeel, light carbonation. Pretty much spot on for an 8% coffee stout.

I would be glad to wake up to this beer any time.

Serving type: bottle

04-11-2013 01:04:29 | More by Powderhornphil

CloudStrife

New York

4.1/5  rDev -4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

12oz bottle poured into a glass. Vintage 2012

A: Pours a very dark brownish black with a half finger dark tan head. Some visible carbonation visible. Not really any lacing.

S: Coffee, roasted malt, almost a peppery spice to this as well.

T: Quite a balanced beer. Coffee isn't as strong as anticipated. More of a roastiness and dark fruitiness. Oatmeal in there as well as chocolate. Alcohol is well hidden. Decent bitterness from the hops.

M: Very smooth full body with a creamy mouthfeel. On the low end of carbonation. Clean finish. Very easy drinking.

Overall a real tasty brew that I think may be better a little closer to its season. I know coffee is a flavor that tends to fade with time and I think that has happened with this beer.

Serving type: bottle

04-07-2013 19:04:42 | More by CloudStrife

donmonkey1

Tennessee

3.25/5  rDev -24.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 5 | overall: 3

Appearance: Dark brown/black with a nice dark tan head. The head dissipates a little too quickly.

Smell: Mainly molasses, burnt toast, sweet toasted nuts.

Taste: Coffee with a shot of blended molasses, raisins, & PGA.

Mouthfeel: Perfect for a stout. Thick, rich, chewy, foamy.

The beer is too rich and alcoholic to my system to enjoy. A lot of people will love this beer but I'd have to water it down to have a chance to enjoy it more.

Serving type: bottle

04-06-2013 22:48:21 | More by donmonkey1

Jacurdy60

Alabama

4.25/5  rDev -1.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 4.25

A-Pitch black like all stouts. Coffee colored, carbonated head with poor retention.

S-Freshly ground coffee is overwhelming albeit in a good way. Malted barley and hops make a small presence. Astringent alcohol becomes profound as the brew warms. Delicious smelling brew.

T-Follows the nose. Strong, bitter coffee and a sweet malty background and an alcoholic bite. Absolutely fantastic.

MF-Crisp and refreshing for a stout. Not as rich as I'd like it.

O-Absolutely fantastic. The bitter coffee balances perfect with the malty sweetness.

Serving type: bottle

03-31-2013 21:23:50 | More by Jacurdy60

macrosmatic

Florida

4.39/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

Reviewed from notes. Poured from 12 oz. bottle into a Russian River pint glass.

A: Dark brown, opaque, with a 1/2 finger tan head. Low visible carbonation.

S: Coffee, mocha, lactose sweetness, with vanilla, leather, and big sweet malts.

T: Huge roasty coffee flavors, some chocolate malts, and a fair amount of bitterness (roasted or hops? Can't decide) to balance the lactose sweetness. Finishes dry with more burnt coffee bitterness in the hang.

M: Thick body as is standard for oatmeal stout, creamy mouthfeel, mild alcohol presence, good carbonation sensation.

O: Quite tasty, and exactly what you'd expect going into it. Recommended, and glad I have a few more.

Serving type: bottle

03-31-2013 18:30:10 | More by macrosmatic

peensteen

Ontario (Canada)

4.18/5  rDev -2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Big thanks to TheSevenDuffs for the bottle

Deep brown colour, near black with a ring of tan head, touch of lace as well. Smell is a nice mix of coffee and milk chocolate, nice roasted malt, dark chocolate and bitter coffee grinds, really a very nice nose here. Taste has lots of coffee, chocolate and roasted malt, medium coffee like bitterness, a mild sweetness, a lot like a cold coffee with chocolate added. Light medium carbonation, full bodied but very smooth, lightly chewy as well. This was very nice, such an easy drinking full flavoured beer, nice mix of coffee and chocolate here, would gladly drink this again.

Serving type: bottle

03-27-2013 19:46:22 | More by peensteen

05Harley

New Hampshire

4.74/5  rDev +10.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

Vintage 2012
Estimated calories - 225/12oz

Purchased through Letspour

Price - $6.50/bottle

When it comes to an exceptional stout, this one comes to mind front and center. Loaded to the teeth in all categories and fitting for an end of winter review.

Pours jet black with a two finger creamy brown head. Wow, thick and chewy with a 10w-30 appearance draped across my Stone snifter. This son of a bitch looks amazing, a five in my book...

The nose is strong with fresh ground coffee leading the way followed by oatmeal, un-sweetened chocolate and raisins. The wood aroma from the oak chips adds a nice touch.

The flavor is semi-sweet with my tastebuds overwhelmed at first with a massive coffee infusion but notes of vanilla, burnt chocolate and black licorice peak through.

The body is full, oily and velvety smooth. Carbonation is soft, however the hops add a slight bitter feel and the oak chips pleasently dry my tongue. In the end, its more on the sweet side than bitter.

Espresso anyone, to say this beer smells and tastes of coffee wouldn't do it justice. Fresh ground coffee anyone?!

Serving type: bottle

03-22-2013 18:29:41 | More by 05Harley

BigBry

Alberta (Canada)

4.46/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Terrapin Night at the Flying Saucer in Nashville. Wish it was on-tap, but won't complain about getting in it a bottle.

Totally black, opaque that no light passes through, topped by a dense, tan head. Good retention and lace stings.
Smell of freshly brewed coffee is big and bold. Basically the coffee is all you can smell.
After that you know what the taste is going to be. Rich, full bodied, a great coffee stout.
A great roasted maltbase, this would be a solid stout without the coffee.
Mouthfeel is medium pushing towards full, creamy and smooth. Long lasting finish, slightly oily texture. Alcohol warms going down.
Despite being thick and rich, it is not overly heavy, and still quite drinkable.
One dimensional, sure, but this was a very enjoyable beer. It has become my personal base line for all future coffee stouts

Serving type: bottle

03-22-2013 12:26:44 | More by BigBry

KevinMc

Illinois

4.39/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.25

A friend of mine got a few of these from a friend and sent one my way. I'd never heard of Terrapin, and was shocked to learn they were not from Maryland.

The color was a deep, dark brown, with a decently dark head that rose just enough to indicate its stoutiness (yes, I made that word up).

It smells wonderful; heavy on coffee with a faint hint of chocolate.

Awesome taste, very coffee forward with little notes of oatmeal, but subtle enough to not overwhelm the palate.

I was disappointed by the mouthfeel. It didn't feel like an Imperial Stout. It wasn't bad, but unexpected. Seemed almost like a porter it was so light. It doesn't linger too much and doesn't coat your mouth like a typical Imperial Stout. I can see some non-stout fans liking this because of that, but it personally bummed me out a bit.

Serving type: bottle

03-22-2013 00:21:46 | More by KevinMc