Intertidal
Devil's Purse Brewing Co.

As soon as we think that tradition is all gone, in walks Devil's Purse and their classic British Stout made with oysters. But before the brine turns us away, this historic technique is simply a way to add yeast nutrients to the dark ale to ensure a high rate of fermentability, dryness, snappiness and drinkability.

And Intertidal Stout does no different, pouring with the most classic and gentlemanly coffee-black pour. As a mocha whipped, somewhat airy froth builds on the brim, its roasty, toasty and sultry sweet scent of caramel, cocoa and campfire teases the nose with its robust perfume. As its sweetness gravitates toward the early palate, its first flavor impressions are malty with whopper's candies, caramel and a hint of toffee.

With the sweeter side of the stout fading into the recesses of taste, a rise of roast brings suggestions of dark-roast coffee, bittersweet chocolate, campfire and burnt toast in a robust sense of savoriness, As its hop bitterness slowly join the coffee-like flavor, the late palate balances with a broad, spicy and woodsy hop bite that seems even more coffee-like.

Full flavored and full bodied, the English Stout finishes malty-dry and roasty with a pleasantly dry mouthfeel and a daringly drinkable taste. As an aftertaste of roast lingers on the throat, the session continues to deliver robust flavors even after the finish.

 

Canned 12/15/21. “Oyster spectacular” stamped on the bottom of the can

Ahh yes, oyster Stout. The style that nobody asked for but actually works quite nicely. It’s been a while since I’ve had one, so if was a no brainer for me to pick this one up, even if it’s just to satisfy my morbid curiosity of how salty and fishy these beers can get

Pours a very dark brown with 2 fingers of dark tan head that fades to a thin cap and leaves decent lacing

Oh man, there’s hardly any salinity to be found in this one. It’s not bad but not what I was expecting. I’m picking up on aromas of dark chocolate, acidic coffee, brown bread, salted caramel, and a touch of earthy hops

There’s definitely more of a salty brine to it in taste. Not as well balanced as I’d prefer but still quite good. On the front end of the sip I’m tasting milk chocolate, sea salt, acidic coffee, toffee, and roasted malt. The swallow brings notes of dark chocolate, seaweed, caramel, toast, and medium roast coffee

A medium body pairs with gentle tingling carbonation, resulting in a surprisingly snappy beer. Finishes mostly dry with a subtle sweetness

I do not remember the last time I had one of these, but this seems pretty much in line with the rest, surprisingly good

 

Oyster stout.
Poured from a can dated 12/09/19, though I just picked it up from the store last week. Can says it's brewed with whole oysters.

Looks good, silky black-brown with a dense brown head that recedes to a fine layer of bubbles with a frothy lacing.
Smells of roasted coffee and chocolate malts. Maybe just my imagination but it could be a hint of briny sea...
Tastes great, lost of char-roasted character, coffee, dark cocoa and an earthy, mineral bitterness.
Feels smooth and medium-light body with a sharp, fine carbonation. Dry finish with lingering char flavor.

Overall very nice! A solid stout accentuated by the oysters.

Look: Deep pitch black with a 1 inch tan, fluffy head that has quite a bit of staying power and leaves spotty lacing.

Smell: Lots of black coffee and baking chocolate and just a hint of briney undertone. I'm not convinced this latter bit isn't in my head.

Taste: Follows the nose but I feel much more confident I'm tasting that brine now. This has very little perceptible sweetness but also doesn't really have that much hoppy bitterness either. It's really a very pure presentation of the black coffee and unsweetened chocolate notes of the malt accentuated with that hint of the briney ocean water goodness.

Feel: Fairly crisp and light in the mouth with a very clean finish that just leaves a bit of that coffee bitterness lingering in the back of the mouth.

Overall: Really tasty and satisfying beer! While it may be an oyster stout, the flavor here is really all about the deep, somewhat bitter, coffee and chocolate flavors that are simply accentuated by the mild beachy brineyness that quietly hovers over everything.