Oatmeal Stout
Portsmouth Brewing Co. / Mault's Brewpub

My favorite offering from the PBC. Virtually opaque blackness stares at you. Thick and creamy tan-colored head persists and laces the glass. I had to let the pint offering warm up considerably (served in a chilled glass...), but it was woth the wait. Nice toasted nut aroma, with a sweet chocolatey malt foundation. Flavor is quite good, with the roasted nut mixing with the sweet cocoa. ABV makes for a slight belly-warmer. FInishes on the dry side with a lingering sweetness. Definitely got better as it warmed. I don't think this was served through a nitrogen tap, and that would do additional wonders for the gem of a beer. A great offering from the PBC. Can you say growler?

I was very forunate to be able to sample this brew before it has been officially tapped for the Mault's brewpub. The look is truly exceptional - this glass came to me straight from the vat and the reverse cascading head was exceptionally thrilling to watch as it created a huge beige head. The lace on this glass created an almost completely formed sheet that clung like glue to the glass.

The aroma on this beer is very robust and gives big notes of roasted nuts and a great coffee sense. The flavor is much fuller and bitier than a typical oatmeal stout, but, then, this brew will smooth as it ages a bit further as it is designed to condition for 90 days, a big space investment on the part of the Mault's, and this will no doubt be reflected in the pint prices for this special edition.

A very full body and strong crisp finish make the feel very good. The obviously high ABV is buried in the huge taste and feel of this brew, but it does limit its drinkability, though I'd spend a day with this lovely stout. I'll be back with the growlers for this bad boy!