Summit Oatmeal Stout - Summit Brewing Company

AgentZero

Illinois

2.28/5  rDev -44.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5

On special for $4 at Sheffields (anything for $4 in Chicago tends to be worth looking at).

A - Solid black, brownish on the edges, head is much lighter than expected. No lacing, sides clean.

S - Roasted malts, tiny bit of oats, some coffee, not really a ton going on, but it does smell like a stout, weakly.

T - Very blah. Tastes uneventful. Mild malts, a touch sweet, but there is just nothing going on here, kind of just is there in your mouth, and then it's not. Quite lacking in taste.

M - Has the consistency of some horrible health drink that went flat and is overly watery while carrying a stronger taste than the body should hold. Not good at all, almost spit out of your mouth bad. Too flat.

D - I wouldn't want to drink this again, poor mouthfeel and taste rates it low on this particular variable.

Serving type: on-tap

03-12-2010 15:39:24 | More by AgentZero

zhanson88

Montana

2.45/5  rDev -40.2%
look: 5 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 4 | overall: 2.5

Appearance: Pours close to black with ruby hints around the edges. About 2" of light tan head forms which has extremely good retention and lacing.

Smell: A touch of roast, chocolate and coffee. Pretty weak smell overall.

Taste: Weak roast and chocolate with an odd fruity finish. Nothing in the way of smooth oatmeal and rich roast and chocolate flavors.

Overall: Medium bodied with low carbonation. Pretty good here. I did not care for this oatmeal stout much. Maybe due to the fact that it was on nitro tap it killed the flavors, but I found it pretty weak all in all. I'd try this out again if given the chance.

Serving type: nitro-tap

10-29-2011 17:35:39 | More by zhanson88

deebo

Minnesota

3.35/5  rDev -18.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A-Black with tan foam that hangs around for half a pint

S-Roasted chocolate malt

T-Dark malted with chocolate notes, slight bitterness from malts

M-Pretty light for the style and for how it looks it will be.

D-Average for the style, could have a few.

Overall-One of my favorites from Summit, which tends to go a little heavy on the bitter hops for most of their brews.

Serving type: on-tap

04-02-2011 01:41:04 | More by deebo

Arnie2709

North Dakota

3.43/5  rDev -16.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Served in a 16oz chilled pint glass at JL Beers in Fargo, ND
Looks like espresso during the first second of the pour followed by the nice cascade effect from the nitrogen and just under two fingers worth of creamy nitro-head. Smell is very similar, espresso and coffee, with a very slight sweetness of chocolate. First taste is of roasted barley finishing with a malty sweetness. Full Bodied and lingers for little while after it's gone. A very nice alternate to Guinness for desert.

Serving type: nitro-tap

02-23-2010 02:24:36 | More by Arnie2709

Duff27

Illinois

3.45/5  rDev -15.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Had on tap at Summit Brewing.

A- Pours a thick frothy silky creamy light mocha head atop a dark brown beer. A very nice looking beer.

S- Faint nose of coffee.

T- Smooth, slightyless sweet aftertaste.

M- Silky and on the watery side of things.

D/O- Pretty easy going oatmeal stout, may become slightly bored with this offering after a pint or two.

Serving type: on-tap

02-19-2011 20:15:12 | More by Duff27

GossageBrewery

Missouri

3.48/5  rDev -15.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

Served this Oatmeal Stout on tap, in a pint glass. Poured a very nice dark brown color, almost black, produced a tan average head, retention was average and it left ample lacing on the glass. The aroma of this stout consisted of roasted grain, and milk chocolate. Full bodied, this stout is smooth, creamy slick- You notice the mouthfeel almost before you taste anything. Roasted grain, milk chocolate, a splash of coffee complete the flavor profile of this beer. Excellent session beer, very nice example of a traditional oatmeal stout.

Serving type: on-tap

09-17-2012 18:54:28 | More by GossageBrewery

KeefD

Minnesota

3.53/5  rDev -13.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Had this on nitro at Whistle Binkies. Pours a dark brown/black color with a creamy tan head that left sheets of lacing down the glass. Very nice! Aroma was a little light, some watered down roasty malts, hints of chocolate. Taste was very nice. Roasted malts were in good supply, some chocolate and coffee notes, and a nice creaminess. I for one do not like nitro-tap brews. While the flavor of this beer was spot on, the body was off for me. Yes, it was creamy, but it was definitely missing that carbonation bite that would have really made this beer sing. The nitro basically ruined this for me and made a good beer less drinkable. It just seemed like flat, watery beer. Where is the body on this thick tasting brew?? If I could find this carbonated with CO2, I would enjoy it much more.

Serving type: nitro-tap

02-17-2009 00:22:42 | More by KeefD

Deuane

Pennsylvania

3.58/5  rDev -12.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A-Deep dark brown with a dark tan head. Copious lacing and good retention.

S-Mild roasted malt aromas. Not much else....somewhat dull.

T-Sweet malt and dark roasted coffee flavours. Nothing crazy...a simple, staright forward stout.

M-Medium body with a nice creamy texture. A nice roll over the tounge. Body holds this brew up well.

D-A solid simple brew. Nothing about screams out but nothing detracts either. Good, plain and simple.

Serving type: nitro-tap

05-07-2008 07:52:31 | More by Deuane

MsRif

Pennsylvania

3.58/5  rDev -12.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Had on nitro-tap at TJ's in Paoli, PA. Poured a dark brown/black color with a bit of ruby on the peripheral. Creamy beige head that kept retention and left nice lacing. Had an aroma of roasted malts, smoke, leather (?) and coffee. Tasted of coffee, smoke and seriously, leather. Was a touch metallic towards the beginning but as it warmed that flavor seemed to fade.

Full-bodied with low carbonation. This is a dessert beer at best...do not drink it with food like I did or else you'll be unable to finish your meal.

Overall, not a bad brew, but definitely not a favorite. Still, good and fairly drinkable as a night-cap.

Serving type: nitro-tap

11-20-2011 14:59:05 | More by MsRif

exonthebottle

Minnesota

3.6/5  rDev -12.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

nice looking beer took a while to pour at ed's but it was worth it from appearance stand point.
not much to smell a better ale than Guinness but from same ilk. light malts a real oat taste and chocolate taste
good texture low carbonation fits the style
drinkable

Serving type: on-tap

06-03-2010 09:22:36 | More by exonthebottle

Rifugium

Pennsylvania

3.63/5  rDev -11.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

First had: on nitro at TJ's, Paoli, PA

Poured into a pint glass, a dark brownish black, a bit light and clear around the edges when held to the light. A creamy tan head that retained and laced well. Smell of roasty malts and smoke. Taste was very dry and roasty, dark malts, and smokey leather, with a beef jerky sensation detectable. Coffee bitterness in the finish. Medium-bodied and fairly drinkable, though not the kind of stout I'd want to order for a casual session.

Serving type: nitro-tap

11-19-2011 04:59:59 | More by Rifugium

cokes

Wisconsin

3.7/5  rDev -9.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Clear, very dark brown with a thick nitro-juiced tan head.
Java nose, with the creamy, flaky oatmeal as a pronounced secondary aroma, along with cocoa nibs, and grain.
Roasty up front and throughout. Coffee beans and bitter chocolate. Oats bring their creamed graininess, and stay awhile. Low hop profile, but the counteracting (and complementary) bitterness is there.
The nitro brings a fleecy full body upfront, which sags over the sip and thins a great deal.
I'd like to see a fuller, non-nitro version bottled, because it has a lot of upside, but the current situation is akin to an oated Guinness. Good session stout, but a bit hollow.

Serving type: nitro-tap

10-06-2009 05:16:31 | More by cokes

blackie

Virginia

3.7/5  rDev -9.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

a: shaker pint, thick head with nice retention atop the nearly black bodied stout

s: roasted barley on a toffee malt body, just a glimpse of a harsh roast edge, charred coffee and dark cocoa, earthy hops with a moderate presence

m: body creamy, medium full, with carbonation on the lighter end of the medium range

t: full toffee backbone with lots of dry cocoa, smooth roasted barley, earthy hop flavors with a light bitterness, good flavors but just on the lighter side and without a ton of range

d: a nice stout, no problems with this one

pint at Gunflint, Grand Marais, MN

Serving type: on-tap

08-31-2010 02:53:02 | More by blackie

ZAP

Minnesota

3.73/5  rDev -9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On tap at Zorbaz in Detroit Lakes

Held up to the sun and just a little scarlet shines through...french vanilla colored head...creamy looking...rims glass perfectly as I drink....nose is coffee grounds and dark chocolate...creamy..full bodied...feels bgger than I expected..very tasty and pretty complex...more sweet than bitter...some vanilla beans and sweet cadburry like chocolate...some java notes on the finish..

This is a winner and pretty complex...seems perfect for draft...not sure how it would translate to the bottle but worth a shot...."Tasty' sums this one up...not a classic but very enjoyable..

As it warms I get a little hit of mineral like water smell...perhaps a small hit of sewage fro mthe mineralness..

Serving type: on-tap

11-06-2004 06:50:26 | More by ZAP

mcallister

Ohio

3.73/5  rDev -9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Bordering between dark brown and black. Thick frothy head of tan retains itself like a champion boxer. Leaves a nice lace behind when it finally fades.

Chock full of sweet oat, coffee, and dark chocolate. A roasty aspect takes place, with vanilla backgrounds. Subtle aroma, very feminine and leaves you daydreaming. Dark fruits abound with a mainstay of currant.

Again the oats are very prevelant in this beer. A coffee aspect that reminds you of someone running out of enough grounds too fill a full pot with sufficient strength. Dark fruits are there but nothing destinguishes itself from the pack.

Mouth is creamy but slightly thin. A stout that is easily sessionable.

Serving type: on-tap

02-25-2007 00:33:49 | More by mcallister

kbutler1

Minnesota

3.75/5  rDev -8.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Draft. On tap at Town Hall Tap on nitro. Super dark brown color, almost black, with a tiny bubbled tan head. Roasted malted, coffee, and dark chocolate notes in the nose. Nice lace on the glass. Smooth, velvety medium mouthfeel, mmmm only nitro can be this smooth. Very smooth flavor, roast coffee and dark chocolate notes with an overall nice rounded out flavor. Tasty. Ends fairly dry.

Serving type: nitro-tap

11-22-2010 15:41:37 | More by kbutler1

Bierguy5

Ohio

3.78/5  rDev -7.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Jet black in color, with a creamy tan head. The head disappeared very quickly, which was disappointing. Soft, roasty aroma with hints of vanilla, and milk chocolate. Lightly roasted coffee flavor, with a bit of chocolate. Not much sweetness. Seems to lack the velvet mouthfeel, and silky texture of a great oatmeal stout. A bit thin. A small amount of lingering bitterness. Not heavy, and pretty easy to drink. Maybe a hint of fruit at the end, but not much. This is pretty simple, easy to drink, but not outstanding.

Serving type: on-tap

03-12-2007 01:43:25 | More by Bierguy5

zjungleist

Illinois

3.8/5  rDev -7.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

On tap at the Summit Brewing Company. Nice black pour with a medium, dense tan head. The smell was nice and roasty. Taste had some coffee, a bit of chocolate, and some oats. Mouthfeel was nice and creamy/silky with light carbonation and was fairly clean and refreshing for the style. Drinkability was fair, and this would make a hearty addition to a good meal (especially breakfast).

Serving type: on-tap

09-12-2006 03:22:04 | More by zjungleist

iabeerbaron

Iowa

3.8/5  rDev -7.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Found this in all places, Stone City, IA right outside Anamosa on tap!! Was pretty excited to try it. Pours a dark black with tan head. Aroma of roasted malts, somewhat faint. Flavor is roasted malts, coffee, dark chocolate. Very smooth and an awesome creamy texture. Two thumbs up!

Serving type: on-tap

12-02-2011 19:05:55 | More by iabeerbaron

wagenvolks

Texas

3.83/5  rDev -6.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Served on nitro-tap at the Draught House in Austin.

Thick, blackish-brown body with a typically gorgeous head of tightly packed, creamy brown bubbles. Makes for excellent head retention and lacing, but I've seen better from a nitro-tap. Slightly muted aroma of burnt chocolate and coffee. A little vanilla interplays with the toastedness of the malts, as do a pinch of earthy hops.

Flavor is also a bit muted, with creamy oats and charred chocolate malts leading the way. Summit's oatmeal stout is tasty, but I expected a bit more from this beer as it fell a bit flat in the middle. Noticeable blandness towards the finish, but thankfully a bit of roasted chocolate malt picks up the slack. Great mouthfeel, courtesy of our friend, the 7th atomic element. Smooth, chewy, slick, velvety...all of the above in terms of body. All in all, a decent brew, but I would choose several other stouts over this one. Still, it's definitely worth a try.

Serving type: nitro-tap

02-28-2010 00:57:22 | More by wagenvolks

AdmiralDiaz

Minnesota

3.85/5  rDev -6.1%
look: 5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Needless to say it looked perfect off of nitro-tap. Amazing two finger head that was almost as thick as whipped cream. Thick lacing all the way down.

S: Very light roasted scents and some chocolate.

T: Similar to the smell, mellow malts with hints of chocolate.

M: Extremely smooth, just what you would expect.

D: Highly drinkable and every sip enjoyable.

Serving type: nitro-tap

02-17-2009 20:26:24 | More by AdmiralDiaz

ADR

Pennsylvania

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

On nitro at the Eagle Street Grill, St. Paul, MN...

Dark appearance but chestnut light penetrates the bottom of the glass. Clear. Nice head, creamy and tan and keeping a staunch 1/2 inch for a long time. Not much downward-cascading action for a nitro pour. Thick clingy lace. Light cocoa aroma, a little apricot, not particularly roasty. Mouthfeel is medium, low mouth carbonation, tendency toward silky. Lactic milky senses to the flavor, and a sense of mildy burnt toast at the end. There's a little bit of astringency that picks up midway through the glass. All-in-all, a mostly pleasant beer and a nice one to see Summit brewing.

Serving type: nitro-tap

08-01-2004 20:11:29 | More by ADR

kojevergas

California

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

Served on nitro-draught in a bar in St. Paul, Minnesota. Reviewed from notes taken over a Thanksgiving Holiday. Expectations were high given that I love stouts and it was on nitro. I thought it was curious that an oatmeal stout was on nitro, which got me excited.

A: Pours a two finger head of absolutely lovely cream lacing, wonderful thickness, and great retention. Moreover, a bubble show accompanies as tan bleeds into black. Colour is a solid black. Very appealing.

Sm: Cream and nitrogen. Some roast. A mild strength aroma.

T: Cream, oats, very light roast, and extremely light notes of coffee and chocolate. Not horribly complex for its style, but extremely refreshing and quite flavourful. Near perfectly balanced. Quite nicely built.

Mf: Lovely creamy mouthfeel - very smooth and quite wet. Those oats were put to good use. This texture complements the style quite nicely. Nitro was the right option for this beer; well done Summit. Incredible.

Dr: Incredibly drinkable. Uses cream to overcome stout dryness instead of succumbing to porter-esque workarounds. The oat smoothness synergizes brilliantly with the nitro-draught system.

Serving type: nitro-tap

12-19-2011 00:17:30 | More by kojevergas

tempest

Pennsylvania

3.9/5  rDev -4.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at Stub and Herb's

Served a bit cold and with a tall head, but once it warmed up and settled down it was quite nice. It was a simple, smooth oat and cocoa with coffee-like roasted grains with wonderfully long aftertaste. Probably still my favorite Summit beer and a very worthy session beer.

Serving type: nitro-tap

12-23-2007 03:59:33 | More by tempest

Rooney107

Minnesota

3.9/5  rDev -4.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A- Served on tap, came in a sort of faded brown color with a solid head. Overall, quite an appealing beer that just seems to scream oats.

S- Definite earthy scent, not quite an "oat smell," but malt characteristics are certainly present. I also detect the faintest hint of cocoa and maybe a little vanilla.

T- The oat flavor hits me right away, great earthy taste. Slight bitterness intermingles with a malty chocolate presence. Light bitterness remains on the palate, but it is quite smooth overall.

M- Great chewy texture that one associates with the oatmeal stout style. Low carbonation compliments the flavors quite well.

D- Surprisingly, this is quite drinkable beer, for me at least. This is probably my favorite beer from Summit.

Serving type: on-tap

08-09-2009 22:36:50 | More by Rooney107