Typical Beer Abv
Stoudt Fat Dog Oatmeal Imperial Stout – can run with the big dogs?
Dateline: Western Pennsylvania, April 3, 2007 (9:22 pm EDT).
As I sit here writing this, it's 72 degrees outside at 9:22 pm on April 3. Seventy-two degrees!?!? Yes, hard to believe. It went all the way to 82 today and tomorrow the bottom falls out. Snow, it should be falling this time tomorrow night and the snow will fall over allegedly Easter weekend. Wow! For craft beer drinker here in western PA is a typical power swing, a roller coaster of temperatures, climate and extremes. Nothing that new. However, it raises a small problem when it comes in a malted embibing appropriate. What do I do?
Should I go with a Maibock or Doppelbock? Something lighter, maybe even a fruit beer? Of course not. We have snow on the road, and April or not, when it is snowing outside, nothing inside is better than beer winter style. Digging deep into the back of the fridge, I found my poison of choice for tonight. Oatmeal is a strong imperial. Stoudts Fat Dog Imperial Stout oatmeal to be precise.
Made all the way on the east side of Pennsylvania in Adamstown, Stoudt craft beers have long held a place respectable in my craft beer and craft beer rankings. His Imperial Stout fat dog did not disappoint either.
Pouring my bottle chilled 12 oz of America in a 16 oz glass Stoudt pint of Pale Ale (yes, purchased directly from the brewery on a visit a few years ago), this beer is poured a black licorice, but not as thick as I have experienced or would normally be expected in a strong imperial.
A sweet light, airy little head leads to a merger quick nothing but a crown of foam toffy cling only to tame the glass wall. I've seen Coca-Cola with more patches of cream floating in this stuff.
Taking a deep breath of the aroma of the top, there's really a very true and rich aroma of chocolate. Along with the chocolate, no more than a twinge of roasted coffee I could pick up. That is a little different right off the bat of many imperial I've tried. Stitches of pinch of alcohol in the nose a bit too. To wait a guess drink for adults 9 +% ABV.
Taste has a chocolately flavor convenient, but nevertheless do exist roasted coffee tones too. In fact much more than perceived by smell alone. But still, dark, creamy chocolate rules the day here. Even a few hits of molasses can be found in the environment overall flavor.
Snack is not as thick as I would have expected much. A little thinner than you'd like an Imperial Stout, but hey that's just me talk. Lacing in my glass is also fairly non-existent. In fact, the glass is almost as clean as I finished the beer, as it was when I started. It almost has that bubbles washing effect type. I could stick to the right side window in the closet and my wife never knows!
In every sense of things, if requested, I would recommend Stoudt's Fat Dog highly Oatmeal Imperial Stout. Personally, I certainly would rank in my Top 10 Imperial stout (which I tested, however limited). Definitely fits well within the guidelines of what one could expect in a quality, craftsmanship developed strong imperial. It is pleasant, with enough flavor to satisfy some of afficianado the most demanding tastes strong. While not perfect in my book, presents iteself, it is chocolately, warming and memorable. An ideal beer to participate in an April night warm and fragrant, early, on the eve of an impending cold front blowing snow and rain showers. Fat dog Grab yourself a Stoudts Imperial Oatmeal Stout until things really heat up in May. This is not a beer for a midsummer night's dream.
About the Author: There is nothing quite as enjoyable as a finely produced craft beer (if you like beer of course). Being a microbrew enthusiast for the better part of 10 years now, I am constantly on the hunt for the holy grail of all craft beers. My endless quest has allowed me to sample some of the finest microbrews around. Where each of these beers rate in my quest for the best I’ve put into words for casual perusing by experienced samplers and beginner enthusiasts alike at http://microbrewreview.blogspot.com/ and http://www.squidoo.com/microbrewreview/
Let me know what you think and feel free to offer your suggestions on a craft beer you’d recommend that I should rate for my next microbrew review.
pourn: Otter Creek Copper Ale