Ipswich Oatmeal Stout: Even Drinking for Evening Drinking

Hop Nation USA's Adam

It’s 10 degrees outside right now, the plans I had for my day off have gone up in smoke, and the best thing I can find on TV is the Who Cares Bowl, Presented by Callahan Auto Parts.  It’s time for a beer.  A quick perusal of the beer fridge brings me to an offering from Ipswich Brewing that I’ve been meaning to try for some time. 

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The Ipswich Oatmeal Stout is by no means an exciting beer, and not one that will stand out in a sea of experimental varieties and combinations.  This is the first offering from Ipswich that I’ve ever had, and I’m looking forward to it.  As an oatmeal stout, this beer should be a surprise to no one.  Fortunately, this oatmeal stout is exactly what I’m looking for on this frigid evening; familiar, inviting, and yet something new.

With an ABV of 7%, the Ipswich Oatmeal Stout is no slouch.  On the pour, the head is pretty minimal, with only a hint of the tan head remaining after getting into the glass.  The color is a classic dark brown, but not quite the black abyss of other stouts of the world.  As for the taste, it’s an oatmeal stout through and through.  Some of you may be thinking that the complete lack of ranting and raving over this beer is a sign of mediocrity.  Quite the contrary, actually.  This beer is good because of the fact that it’s not overwhelming.  It’s a simple straightforward beer that does nothing to try and trick you or make you think that this beer is more that it really is.  The finish is slightly malty without much fanfare.  As with most stouts, hopheads need not apply.  Hops are not present in any fashion whatsoever, from the nose, to the finish.  This is somewhat surprising, since Ipswich Brewing lists the beer with an IBU of 60.  I was certainly not expecting that one.

All in all, if you can find this beer, it’s worth a quaff.  Will it knock your socks off?  In a word, no.  Will it disappoint you when the temperatures get cold, and all you’re looking for a little solace in this world?  Certainly not.  If your choice is drinking this beer, or watching the Who Cares Bowl, Presented by Callahan Auto parts, it’s an easy decision.

3.5 units out of 5.0