Arcadia Starboard Stout - Arcadia Brewing Company

darklager

Ohio

4.45/5  rDev +30.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This beer looks beautiful in the glass. It is extremely black with a nice brown head. The aroma is chocolate with a lot of roasted goodness coming through. As others have said this is somewhat thin, but it does have big flavor, although not overly complex. It all works very well though as I really love this stout. Everytime I drink this beer, I like it more. This is the first oatmeal stout I have ever had, and it has definitely inspired me to search for more.

Serving type: bottle

03-09-2003 16:14:45 | More by darklager

mattcrill

Ohio

4.33/5  rDev +27%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to cmaruschak for the chance to sample this one.

Presentation: Label with the letter "B" notched on the side...whatever that means.

Appearance: A deep black carbonated pour with a thin sudsy tan head that quickly fades to some wispy lacing.

Smell: Deep, rich cocoa, oats, figs, all very pleasant and slightly sweet on the nose.

Taste: Rich cocoa, oats, and some chocolate bitterness upfront. A pleasanty grainy and slightly sweet chocolate finish. Fig newtons, cherry juice, and some cream notes pop up here and there. Very nicely done.

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied, crispy due to the carbonation, and a nice lingering finish on the palate.

Drinkability: Perfect for a session. Nice character to keep you interested but not heavy at all. Quite a treat! Recommended.

Serving type: bottle

08-21-2005 18:14:02 | More by mattcrill

Frozensoul327

Michigan

4.3/5  rDev +26.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

Ok, Arcadia has a solid winner here. Pours out to a black color which lets little light escape through the glass. Nice amber head stayed constant at about 1 inch or so. Aromas of coffee, dark chocolate, cocoa and malt are strong and well presented. Taste is full bodied and robust. Flavors of coffee, cocoa and malt are well presented, along with dark cherries and thick grains. Full mouthfeel is warming and enjoyable. This is a good brew , with decent drinkability. A solid stout, but not for everyday. Recommended.

Serving type: bottle

10-04-2005 01:29:04 | More by Frozensoul327

marcobrau

Illinois

4.22/5  rDev +23.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 5

Pours with a good deal of carbonation that creates a lasting tan colored quarter-inch of foam on top. No lacing. Nose is tart, perhaps a touch lactic - very interesting - with cocoa asserting itself. Cocoa again on the palate and tart with a port-like fruitiness in the middle and a roasted coffee finish. The hop flavor is earthy and faded. Smooth and slightly slick on the tongue, perhaps from the addition of oats? Perhaps a little thin? This is a very English tasting stout, which I guess makes sense given the Peter Austin system the brewery uses, which I believe incorporates wood, which could explain the tart/sour character of this beer. Remarkably drinkable given the the complexity; but then again maybe I'm just thirsty. Really like the roasted malt and bitter hops finish.

Serving type: bottle

03-18-2008 01:01:29 | More by marcobrau

stoutman

Michigan

4.18/5  rDev +22.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

I was suprised at how little aroma there was ... some hint of roasted malts, but not a lot. Rich nitrogen-esque creaminess. Some toasted malt flavor, some chocolate, a mild bitterness at the base of the tongue. Not sweet like most "oatmeal" stouts. This is an "oat malt" stout and is quite different from "oatmeal" stout in that it has the almost dry finish of an Irish stout . Highly recommended.

Serving type: bottle

08-23-2003 02:03:29 | More by stoutman

sliverX

New York

4.15/5  rDev +21.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

poured a jet black with a small tight bubbled head that faded to a thick film around thew edges that left some nice sticky lacing
smell is sweet coffee, hinting towards dark fruits also for some reason picking up a bit of a spiced rum thing too no hop presence noticed
taste is big astringent coffee can some what pick up some oatmeal like notes too again no hops picked up
mouthfeel is slightly short of thick but holds itself well carbonation is perfect
drinkability, I like this one very much goes down nice and won't knock you down after more than one so highly recommend this one

Serving type: bottle

03-07-2009 03:23:50 | More by sliverX

smcolw

Massachusetts

4.13/5  rDev +21.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Moderate beige head, but it leaves thin ring lace. Near black color where no light shines through

The smell is far more mild than a typical stout. There are faint coffee grounds and dark, dark chocolate aromas

Strong espresso flavor. No creaminess at all. The aftertaste features unsweetened chocolate flavor. The body is neutral with a lower level of carbonation, giving it a fuller mouthfeel than the liquor suggests.

Serving type: bottle

10-18-2009 20:54:06 | More by smcolw

volkswankin

Illinois

4.13/5  rDev +21.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A - Supremely black, with a beautiful tan-caramel head. Looks like an alluring stout, that like a beautiful woman at at pub, begs attention.

S - Not much here. The appearance is sort of a tease here. Very subtle malt and a hint of dark chocolate are all that I could ascertain.

T - Definitely some bitter, dark chocolate, nice malty mid-palate, and a creamy sweet and subtle hoppy and dry finish. Not much complexity. Seems a bit lacking for an Oatmeal Stout. It does bear some of the charter of a good oatmeal, but they almost seem muted here.

M - Very light bodied for a stout. Almost seems watery, with a bit of carbonation. Drinks much like a Guiness, but with less body.

D - I would say this is a very drinkable stout, especially for novices.

Overall, this Oatmeal Stout is very restrained, which may cater to the masses. A stout that would please people who don't care for very bold flavors.

Serving type: on-tap

02-02-2011 20:21:44 | More by volkswankin

WakeandBake

Michigan

4.1/5  rDev +20.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Notes Sep 11, 2008
Pours black with a moderate light tan head . lots of coffee and chocolate in the aroma. Watery mouthfeel with lots of roasted malt,some chocolate,and burnt coffee notes, and I get a slight alcohol finish. A nice offering.Very drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

12-16-2008 21:23:08 | More by WakeandBake

nixhecks

Rhode Island

4.05/5  rDev +18.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Recieved this brew aas part of a beer-of-the-month shipment - I am always excited to get a new stout with these. Poured a jet black color with a mocha colored head that dissapated within a couple minutes. The aroma is very nice, a malty smell along with the usual sweet cocoa/coffee notes. The flavor is full of smoky roasted malt, very smooth with a medium amount of carbonation (I wouldn't say it was too much though). I like this stout more and more with every sip - I have been looking for a beer that exhibited the smoke flavor like this one does. It reminds me of hickory bacon, something I can never pass up. Great beer, you could maybe say not a great oat stout, but this is still one to try out

Serving type: bottle

06-29-2003 16:55:02 | More by nixhecks

beerluvr

New Jersey

4.05/5  rDev +18.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Slips out of the bottle with a dark tan head sitting over solid black liquid. Nose is all about chocolate, flowery hops and oatmeal. Super roasty maltiness is a nice surprise, tempered by slick oatmeal mouthfeel then bitter hoppiness. Only drawback here is a slightly thinnish mouthfeel, just with it was a bit more ballsy in the body dept. Finished up dry with slight fruitiness, made with care and quite drinkable nonetheless.

Thanks to CRJMellor.

Serving type: bottle

02-03-2004 00:19:46 | More by beerluvr

DackAchan

Michigan

4.03/5  rDev +18.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Pours with a good two finger head. Almost no light gets through. Head of mahogany. Once the bottle was cracked, could smell the raisins and oats, sweet smell. Good taste, mixing of bitterness and sweet fruits. Little light on the mouthfeel. Drinkablility was decent.

Serving type: bottle

03-14-2008 18:15:48 | More by DackAchan

nota

Michigan

4.03/5  rDev +18.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

From my tasting notes on my blog Pilgrims Pub. This beer pours a dark brown almost black with a two finger tan head that disappears quickly. Spotty lacing left on glass. Enormous roasted malt smell. The taste is of dark roasted coffee, with bitter sweet chocolate overtones. Creamy full bodied beer with a dry finish. Exceptional drinkability, one of my favorite stouts.

Serving type: bottle

09-07-2009 16:21:21 | More by nota

jackndan

Illinois

4/5  rDev +17.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Starboard Stout: An Oatmeal stout from the great State of Michigan. It pours a deep brown heading for black, and it reminds me how long its been since I’ve had a stout (It being summer and all around here). The head is dark tan , very thick and long lasting. The aroma is very nice, with scents of chocolate/coffee.

Very nice taste, initial sweetness/mixed with slight burnt malt flavors. The aftertaste is remarkable, very long lasting with strong coffee flavors. This is very tasty. Very smooth and rich mouthfeel as one would expect from an oatmeal stout. Very nice and flavorful, and one I’d recommend if you are looking for an American oatmeal stout.

Serving type: bottle

08-26-2003 22:52:19 | More by jackndan

beerguy101

California

4/5  rDev +17.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Eclipse black color. Medium tan foamy head. Aroma is chocolate and toffee. A light to medium bodied stout. Malts are roasted, choclately and slightly sweet. Hops are slightly spicy. Very smooth and creamy. Well balanced. A very drinkable stout. Mouthfeel is full and round. Finish is clean and dry. Aftertaste is slightly sweet.

Serving type: bottle

10-10-2003 02:12:28 | More by beerguy101

ken3c

Michigan

4/5  rDev +17.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Quite close to black with a fine textured tan head. Sheets of foam layer the sides. I love the way the beer horizon (the separation between the beer and the head) looks. It stayed that way throughout the beer.

This smells like carmel with a hint of flowery hops.

The taste is like sweet chocalate. The finish is still sweet plus flowery.

Very smooth and creamy. The persistant head creates a "milk" mustache feel. Maybe a little thin.

Very enjoyable. I always enjoy Arcadia beers, especially at the brewpub.

Serving type: nitro-tap

12-06-2004 06:14:59 | More by ken3c

Brent

Kentucky

4/5  rDev +17.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This beer reminded me why oatmeal stouts were one of my earliest favorite styles, and why they still hold a special place in my heart. Full bodied with a well-mannered roasted malt flavor, some hints of coffee and a finish that was smooth with a satisfying bitterness.

Serving type: bottle

07-12-2006 21:05:07 | More by Brent

tavernjef

Minnesota

4/5  rDev +17.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Very dark cola brown approaching black in most light. A sliver of amber penetrates the bottom. Small, lightly puffy yet densely spongey packed cap of tan foam sits briefly before splipping to an always present skim and lots of chocolate milk bubbles along the edge. Some very thick boney fingered lace is flung about the glass and sticks well.

Solid aroma of mild roasted malt, with a tenderly sweet and creamy sense to it with a touch of ash and floral hops notes. As it warms it lowers its intensity by quite a bit, however, stays appetizing and oaty sweet.

Nice taster too. Roasty, smokey, lightly sweet underneath but barely present with the oat malt. Drys out nicely with a smokey ash and burnt malt mildness. Stays smooth and fairly creamy for the most part as the dryness only flecks about with the taste of burntness more then the actual burntness itself. Interesting balance to say the least. Well done on that account.

Smooth, creamy, and mixed in with a nice smokey ash-like dryness within. Stays mild and fairly crsipy overall and quite easy to deal with. Body is about medium with only a slow start to hamper its character. Finish is all about the burntish dryness. Which is quite acceptable and borderline porter-esk if not one altogether.

A solid Oaty stout here. One of the better offerings from Arcadia and well worth trying out.

Serving type: bottle

06-06-2007 21:48:54 | More by tavernjef

WesWes

New York

4/5  rDev +17.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

The beer pours a deep, dark black color with a thick frothy tan head that slowly fades to lacing. The aroma is good. It has a well rounded stout aroma that boasts of chocolate and patent malts. It's rich with a stiff black malt backbone. The taste is good also. It has a smooth roasted flavor that boasts of patent malts and roasted barley. It's dry and earthy with a mild oatmeal element. The mouthfeel is good. It is a full bodied beer with adequate carbonation. This is a good drinking beer. It's the only beer from this brewery that I'll probably finish. The yeast is hard to detect. I assume it's from the large amounts of black malts. All in all, a fine session ale.

Serving type: bottle

08-13-2007 22:02:54 | More by WesWes

NeroFiddled

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev +17.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A foamy tan head rises majestically as you pour Arcadia's Starboard Stout. After a moment of settling you can continue with the pour, eventually ending with a solid inch or more of creamy cap. The head retention is quite good, and it leaves smears and streaks of tan lace about the glass.

The body beneath is black in color. So black, in fact, that it's opaque. The only way you can see the bubbles is to tilt the glass at an angleso that they rise along the side of the glass.

The aroma is fruity and gently roasty. The fruitiness is berrylike and sweetish, much like Fruity Pebbles breakfast cereal... that must be due to the oats that give it a cereal quality. Beyond that there are subtle notes of caramel and suggestions of chocolate, as well as a delicate waft of grassy hops.

The yeasty fruitiness again appears in the flavor upfront, followed by notes of caramel and grainy malt with a drizzle of dark chocolate. It's not overly bitter, and the dark malt acidity and mildly raspy edge of the roastiness are enough to balance it. Some bitterness does linger in the finish however, alongside some residual leafy and grassy (perhaps even floral or citrusy) spent hop character. Coffee-like in the late end.

An enjoyable stout to say the least, but be forewarned that this beer really shines when enjoyed at cellar temperature. Below that it loses quite a bit of its malt character, and the fruitiness will appear sharper than it should be. Nicely done!

Serving type: bottle

07-13-2008 14:14:02 | More by NeroFiddled

czechsaaz

Washington

4/5  rDev +17.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Smell is slightly sour but more from roast aroma and not fermentation. A little bit of chocolate malt.

Looks deep black with a THICK tan head. You can put a nipple on it and it sticks for a few minutes. Held up to the light, it has a big red hue and lets light through.

Nice roasty and base malt flavor. Hop bitterness is high but the dark malt is the dominant flavor. Some ale yeast fruit but mostly clean.

Thick and creamy with a pretty big body.

Nice dry oatmeal stout. A good thick brew that would make a great local alternative to Guinness and is a good example of the style.

Serving type: nitro-tap

06-17-2010 20:13:29 | More by czechsaaz

Wildman

Ohio

3.98/5  rDev +16.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

@ Arcadia's Brewery/Brewpub

This beer was a very dark brown color and formed a perfect off white head that retained it's head and left some nice lace. The aroma was of malt and butterscotch. The flavor was of malt and a touch of butterscotch. The body was lighter than most for this style and had a lighter finish.

Serving type: nitro-tap

10-02-2002 07:28:38 | More by Wildman

Mitchster

Michigan

3.98/5  rDev +16.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

Brewed with Pale, Crystal, Roasted Barley, Chocolate, Black Patent malts and Malted oats. Hopped with Willamette and Cascade hops.

OG=1.058, 5.4% ABV.

Hrmm, pours a nice jet black with only a rim of tan at the bottom of the glass. Forms a nice pancake head, but quickly thins. Smaller bubbles than the Arcadia IPA, moderate carbonation. The aroma is heavenly!..Think sweet, dark hazelnut coffee, maple syrup and vanilla. Really amazing aroma. Taste is initially brisk flavor hops, dark sweet malt, some burnt sugar, giving way to a chocolate and coffee finish. The bittering hops are a little too harsh during the finish and hinder it's drinkability. Others have said this beer has a thin body, but I disagree. It's not syrupy or cloying (say, like a Bell's Expedition Stout), and has a nice mouthfeel. The alcohol become obtrusive during the middle of the glass, and is this beer's only detriment.

Serving type: bottle

01-08-2003 17:41:01 | More by Mitchster

cretemixer

Indiana

3.98/5  rDev +16.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

They don't get much prettier than this. Pours black as can be with a dense, two-finger, caramel colored head. After a few minutes it fades to a moderate layer on the beer. Looks great!

Aromas of coffee, bitter chocolate, sweet malts and Dutch rusk.

Taste is of coffee and sweet malts. Becomes dryer mid-glass. Leaves a lingering bitter toasted aftertaste.

This beer was thinner than it appeared when poured, but not bad. Carbonation was a little higher than I prefer too. Overall not a bad stout, but not exceptional either. It is worth seeking out again and the price is very good.

Serving type: bottle

02-25-2003 15:39:30 | More by cretemixer

bort11

Missouri

3.98/5  rDev +16.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12 oz bottle poured into an imperial pint glass. Nice solid brown head that stands a finger thick. Doesn't leave a lot of lacing on the glass. Color is pure black. No light getting through here.
Smell first reminded me of some maple and brown sugar instant oatmeal. There are also more subtle notes of chocolate and vanilla. Taste is a slightly charred malt that enhances the chocolate and vanilla flavors. It kind of reminds me of a chocolate chip oatmeal cookie. Bitterness seems to be more from the dark roast than from hops.
Mouthfeel is smooth and creamy and very drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

09-01-2007 01:53:56 | More by bort11