Highland Oatmeal Porter - Highland Brewing

PartyHatjo

Ohio

3.28/5  rDev -15.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

Complements of AKSmokedPorter...
Appearance: The head is quite airy...has the density of a cafe frappe and the color of the tan m&m (man I miss those, stupid blue ones).

Smell: Strong maltiness, with a hint of chocolate in the background.

Taste: This tasted like a lot of oktoberfest beers that I've had. Very malty. There's some grassiness in the palate as well that's a bit of a disappointment. Chocolate is prevalent in the initial taste.

Mouthfeel: Quite smooth...with no alcohol flavor. Bitterness is balanced with maltiness. Carbonation adequate.

Drinkability: Not one of my favorite porters. Something about it made it hard to finish the bottle, but I couldn't pinpoint it.

Serving type: bottle

05-05-2004 14:09:42 | More by PartyHatjo

CRJMellor

Arkansas

3.68/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours depp mahogany red with balck highlights. Thin ring of a head kicks off small smount of lace.
Aroma is chocolate, coffee and oatmeal.
Flavor is chocolate, burnt brown sugar, grain and some coffee and hop notes.
Moutheeel is slightly sweet to start, moving to a lightly roasted, somehwat burnt and bitter finish.
Drinkability is pretty good but wit such heavy burent bitter notes it is somewhat one-dimensional, grows on you as you down it thought.

Serving type: bottle

04-22-2004 03:34:08 | More by CRJMellor

coasterfreak75

North Carolina

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

The pour was pitch black with a good one inch head. The head slowly dissapated and left a creamy quarter-inch that held on through the entire drink.

The smell was suprisingly spicy with a light chocolate overtone.

The drink started with a slight spice kick that was followed by sweet, sweet, sweet. It left a slight chocolate aftertaste at the finish.

All and all, a very tasty beer. Very refreshing and it goes great with food.

Serving type: on-tap

04-06-2004 00:15:09 | More by coasterfreak75

JISurfer

South Carolina

4.58/5  rDev +17.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

WOW!!! This is one truely amazing brew. I never thought that this was going to be this good. There was nothing about this beer that I didn't love. The color was an awesome black, with a thick tan head that stuck around for quite sometime. Talk about head retention, this baby was off da hook! The smell was malty, mixed with some hops, and hints of chocolate. The taste was similar, but was more in the area of chocolate, which is a plus for me. Also, this was one smooth mama jama. It was creamy and oh so smooth on the throat. Bottom line, if you like good beer, you need to drink this. If you like crappy beer, then drink this, so it will convert you to good beer.

Serving type: bottle

02-03-2004 02:09:12 | More by JISurfer

Jason

Massachusetts

4.08/5  rDev +4.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

12 oz brown bottle with no freshness date. Thanks to bocktech for the sample.

Appearance: The head looks like a superbly frothed cappuccino leaving thick rings of lace down the glass. Two shades away from total black, you can make out some deep red highlights.

Smell: Sweet malts with a mild roasted tone in the back and a silkiness of the oats.

Taste & Mouthfeel: Creamy smooth, very luxuriant in the mouth with its full body. Thick underlying coffee flavour throughout with a nice heavy hand of sweetness that is restrained by the roasted malt and hop bitterness. Finish bitter sweet with a lingering creaminess.

Notes: I could certainly quaff a few pints of this, nice to see a long smoothness in a porter rather than the harsh crispness that some do have. A choice pick if you can get your hands on some.

Serving type: bottle

01-15-2004 03:10:04 | More by Jason

Indybeer

Indiana

3.15/5  rDev -19%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

12 oz bottle. Poured deep brown with reddish tints when held up to the light, decent head that didn't stick around, and not much lacing on the glass. Aroma is roasted malt, and hops. Taste is more of the same, but I'm missing the creamy smoothness of oatmeal. This is more like a regular porter but with alot more bitterness from the roasted barley and hops. No bad but nothing special for me either

Serving type: bottle

01-10-2004 03:06:57 | More by Indybeer

mntlover

Tennessee

4.28/5  rDev +10%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours nice black,with fluffy tan head. Smell of coffee,oats and malt goodness.Tastes of roasted malt oats with right amount of carbonaton to tingle the tounge. Hops kick in to add citrusy flavor and just the right kick to finish of this great brew. Nice medium bodied porter not as chewy as some others but taste is wonderful. Drinkability is excellent very good brew. Haven't had bad beer from this brewery would recommend trying one if you can.

Serving type: bottle

12-22-2003 14:21:22 | More by mntlover

NeroFiddled

Pennsylvania

4.1/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Its very deep brown body appears as black in the pint, but reveals deep mahogany highlights along the base of the glass and brilliant glints of ruby through the wide part of the body when held to the light. The short and frothy head of tan foam drops readily, but manages to maintain a full surface covering and leave some spotty lace. A roasty edge, some bittersweet chocolate, and a small bouquet of floral and citrusy hops greet you in the aroma, but fade almost as quickly as the head has dropped. Fortunately, both remain to a certain extent. The body is medium; and it's very fine carbonation leaves it crisp on the tongue before warming to become somewhat creamier and smooth across the palate. The flavor is rich with a distinctly roasted character that lends a bit of acidity before it warms to reveal the bittersweet, dark chocolate and almost-burnt-sugar caramel character beneath. It's well grounded by its solid bitterness, and it finishes dry but with a long-lingering note of dark chocolate that's left in the aftertaste. This is a beer that really needs to be enjoyed at, or just below, cellar temperature - so don't just pull it from the fridge and pour. I'd love to try it in cask form.

Serving type: bottle

12-07-2003 22:56:28 | More by NeroFiddled

Bighuge

Minnesota

4/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A somewhat blurred deep ruby red appearance. Small light brown head. with decent retention. Lace is very minimal. Aroma is of roasted malt, baker's chocolate and a little citrusy hop character. The flavors and mouthfeel are pretty smooth. Medium body. Flavors of milk sugar, bittersweet chocolate, roasted malt and bitter NW hops (to a small degree). This porter's pretty good.

Thanks AKSmokedPorter.

Serving type: bottle

12-07-2003 04:46:52 | More by Bighuge

homersimpson

North Carolina

4.4/5  rDev +13.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Deep brown with a yellowish tan lace that moves to a permanent collar.
Smells of roasted coffee and malt with a definate dab of oatmeal.
Medium to heavy body, and oh so smooth. You don't notice the carbonation until the very end.
Starts sweet with a bit of nuts and oats. Move to a bit more roasted flavor with a good hop to keep it in line. Long oat/breadlike finish.
I've loved this beer for years.

Serving type: on-tap

11-26-2003 00:11:48 | More by homersimpson

sraimondi

Connecticut

4.43/5  rDev +13.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Picked this up on a recent trip to Raleigh, NC.

Really smooth brew, not usual for a porter. Great lacing on the glass right to the last sip and exceptional mouthfeel, the low carbonation helps no doubt. Very nice color and the flavor was outstanding. I wish I had picked up some more as well as some of the other Highland brews. If they are anything like this one, I'm definitely missing something. Maybe next time...

Serving type: bottle

10-05-2003 02:06:21 | More by sraimondi

yankeeheel

Maine

4.05/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours a very dark, nearly opaque garnet/black. Small tan head that left town fast. Smells of oatmeal, fig, and raisin. I likee.

The taste is very smooth. The oatmeal stands out with the dark malts and coffee coming through. The oatmeal confused my mouth. It kept waiting for the stout bite that never came. Carbonation is on the low side, which makes it seem even smoother. A really nice and intersteing variation on a porter. Get you some.

Serving type: bottle

09-27-2003 00:28:33 | More by yankeeheel

BeerResearcher

Massachusetts

4.1/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This is another unusual, but fine offering from Highland. It pours a dark chocolate color with a pretty rocky tan head and loads of lace. A sweet malt and hop aroma fades rather quickly. Chocolate and coffee flavors mix with wood and smoke. The hops produce a mild citrus and light spicy bite. Oatmeal grain flavor and texture are noticeable. The alcohol is present, but in the background. Good on a cool evening with a hearty stew.

Serving type: on-tap

09-10-2003 22:41:46 | More by BeerResearcher

kindestcut

North Carolina

4.18/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

The Highland Oatmeal Porter pours a dark brown, like the Mississippi River. The off-white head is minimal, yet quite thick. The beer looks really nice and since the porter style is one of my favorites, this beer looks great to me.

The aroma is malty, not at all overpowering, with a hint of molasses. The smell is sweet, like a porter pie.

Upon first taste, the maltiness, as would be expected, is there in spades. The dark beer is full of burnt malt flavor but is rather subdued. A very good porter.

The mouthfeel is good but the real winner is the drinkability. Although the flavor could be heightened, it is tasty enough that I could have a few of these in one sitting. Unfortunately, it's the only one I have :-( Thanks Loki for the opportunity to try this very good beer!

Serving type: bottle

06-18-2003 18:00:44 | More by kindestcut

Morris729

Texas

4/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours black ruby in color with a thin and creamy light tan colored head that, despite being small, has a nice retention. Nose is rich chocolaty malts and coffee with a touch of smokiness. Medium in body with a smooth and creamy mouthfeel. Taste is sweet roasted malts and dark bread followed by notes of unsweetened chocolate, oatmeal, and toasted nuts. Some flavors of bitter coffee and a touch of hops come through towards the end. A very nice oatmeal porter. Thanks to Loki for the sample!

Serving type: bottle

06-03-2003 22:23:27 | More by Morris729

Loki

North Carolina

4.1/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

This Oatmeal Porter offering from Highland Brewing pours a deep, dark brown almost midnight, with a thick, rich cinnamon brown head. The head retention is very good and leaves noticeable lacing around the glass.

The aromas of roasted malt, chocolate, and coffee are prominent with hints of oatmeal on the nose.

The taste is very thick and extremely smooth. This porter goes down easy. The flavor starts off with sweet malt, chocolate leading to coffee then oatmeal in the middle and then a bitter hop finish. The sweet start and bitter finish is pleasantly surprising. There is also a citrus hoppiness that is a bit surprising.

A very nice and drinkable Oatmeal Porter with great mouth feel from the kilt wearing Scots at the Highland Brewing company.

Serving type: on-tap

05-13-2003 08:55:03 | More by Loki

ZAP

Minnesota

4.15/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Great creamy mouthfeel..the oat makes itself evident immediately....pours a blackish brown with a little tan lace....nose has a great dark burnt malt/coffee aroma....Did I mention I really like the mouthfeel of this beer....creamy...taste is really solid too..a dark sweet flavor with a fine finish of burnt malts and some timely hopping...the bitterness really starts to emerge on the long finish which is unique because at first this was all sweet and malt...

Another intriguing and interesting beer from the Carolina's..thanks again to Kipp..another winner...

Serving type: bottle

05-12-2003 23:13:18 | More by ZAP

PhantomVodoo

Ohio

3.85/5  rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Dark brown to black in color with a brown head.
Aroma of roasted malt and chocolate.

Roasted malt flavor with slight chocolate and coffee notes. Smooth. Well hopped for a porter. Citrus hop flavor is very prominent, almost to the point of overwhelming the malts. Definitely not a sweet porter.

Good mouthfeel.
Good drinkability.

Overall, I enjoyed this one quite a bit, but the citrus hop flavor seemed a bit strong for a porter. I'd be glad to drink another, though.

Serving type: bottle

05-03-2003 20:32:19 | More by PhantomVodoo

aaronh

Pennsylvania

3.58/5  rDev -8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Pours a deep chestnut brown topped by a two-finger tan head that displays excelent retention. As it gradually fades, it leaves a thick sheeting on the glass and leaves a thick layer of foam atop the beer. I can smell sweet roasted malt and caramel coming off this beer from two feet away. The caramel notes become more intense as you lift it to your nose, backed by some oatmeal notes and some hops. A bit of chocolate is in the aroma as well. Very nice indeed. The taste is high on roasted grain and coffee, with a bit of bitter cocoa powder mixed in. Good bitternes on the finish, but a bit of a burnt aftertatse. The aroma promises more sweetness, but the beer doesn't deliver, as it is a little on the dry side. The mouthfeel is thick and creamy, with perhaps a bit too much harshness from the carbonation. The drinkability is pretty good, as the aroma and mouthfeel make up for the average but enjoyable flavor profile. This has the potential to be a great brew with just a little harmony between what the aroma tells your mouth it will taste and the flavor profile. Just a bit more residual sugar to add a touch of sweetness would make this much more enjoyable. But overall, a fine beer.

Serving type: bottle

04-11-2003 13:05:37 | More by aaronh

Dogbrick

Ohio

3.98/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Muchas gracias to johnrobe for this one. My favorite of the Highland brews (so far). Pours a very dark brown with a medium and pretty tan head. Little lacing. Aroma of coffee, chocolate and nuts. Medium bodied with a nice roasty blend of chocolate and espresso (which would be a mocha I guess). Finish is a little nutty and a little hoppy. Pretty good.

Serving type: bottle

03-25-2003 07:39:29 | More by Dogbrick

feloniousmonk

Minnesota

3.8/5  rDev -2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Color as black as Lincoln's hat, with a thick, lush tan head. Aroma is soft, sweet, light, and very oaty! Nice presence upon the palate, very smooth, though not too strong on flavor. Solid, sturdy, and full-bodied. Nutty flavors come through, more sweet maltiness, significantly less hops. I did enjoy this "oatmeal" porter.
"Oatmeal" porter? Got to hand it to Highland, it's a new one on me! I've never been to North Carolina, but if I ever go, I'll know what to drink. I tip my hat to Uglyradio for the trade.

Serving type: bottle

03-06-2003 18:18:38 | More by feloniousmonk

oberon

North Carolina

3.68/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Poured nicely on tap dark brown with ruby tinge,nice tan colored head wich went away quickley.Smelled very much like roasted malt with chocolate also prevalent.A little more hoppy than I expected with some fruity character to go with chocalty taste.A little thin in body and mouthfeel for me,but it went down pretty easy.

Serving type: on-tap

02-16-2003 09:17:19 | More by oberon

johnrobe

Tennessee

4.03/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This brew pours a dark, dark brown with auburn highlights around the edges where the light comes through. A light tan head develops nicely but ultimately reduces to a cap. In the aroma, some citrusy hops announce their presence along with roasted malt, and what smells like sweet bread...I assume it's the oatmeal. Citrusy hops appear prominently in the taste as well but don't overwhelm, as a host of dark roasted malt and bittersweet chocolate flavors permeate your tastebuds. The mouthfeel is, well, "soft" (I can't think how else to describe it...the brew is not rich enough to call it creamy). A highly quaffable porter, very well done! I expected the oatmeal to cause this to be a somewhat sweet porter, but this has more in company with other well-hopped porters like SN.

Serving type: bottle

02-09-2003 21:29:45 | More by johnrobe

RBorsato

Virginia

5/5  rDev +28.5%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Black-ish with ruby red highlights and a low dark brown head. Chocolatey aroma dominates with a light hop character. Rich, smooth chocolatey flavor with a nice hop balance. Med-full bodied and creamy smooth.

Much more pleasant than many other hoppy dark beers such as Anderson Valley Oatmeal Stout -- Highland just seems to be better balanced and not over the top on hops.

Serving type: bottle

01-15-2003 10:43:55 | More by RBorsato

John

New York

3.63/5  rDev -6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On tap @ Barley's Taproom, Greenville, SC. Dark brown with ruby hues. Creamy tan head with good lace. Chocolate malty and sweet dark bready aroma. Roasted bitterness is nicely balanced by a hint of oatmeal sweetness. Medium bodied mouthfeel. Good quaffability. Nicely done and definitely worth a try.

Serving type: on-tap

12-17-2002 18:59:15 | More by John