Pig War Oatmeal Stout
Front Street Ale House / San Juan Brewing

As I sat down to my first San Juan ale ever, Ozzy Osbourne sounded over the house stereo. It wasn't War Pigs, but somehow Ozzy seemed fitting. Pig War Oatmeal Stout actually takes its name from a 19th century confrontation between American and British colonizers at a time when it was not clear which empire would eventually lay claim to the San Juan Islands. The matter was eventually decided by the German Kaiser in the Americans' favor, but not before a marauding British pig was shot to death by an American soldier.

San Juan's menu boasts that they've brewed this same stout to the same recipe for 16 years. That makes it a potent warning against drinking here, as this is truly one of the worst stouts I've ever had. You'd think they might have learned something in 16 years, but apparently not. Pig War is a powerfully weird beer suggestive of limejuice and vinegar. It is brown and nearly opaque with some ruby shadowing. It's also profoundly spoiled and painful to drink. Beyond its appearance, it bears little resemblance to an oatmeal stout at all. There is no pronounced malt structure, roastiness, or cream to be found. Avoid.