House Stout
Brewery Ommegang

A pint can poured into a snifter.
Cola dark with some clarity. The generous head forms initially, then settles into a collar and leaves little lacing.
The roasted malt flavor is mild, mouthfeel is light. Bitterness is balanced. Not as dry as an Irish Stout, there is a hint of sweetness in the tangy mix, along with notes of earthy smokiness.
The label says “Maple Conditioned” on it, I’m not really picking it up though. Perhaps it’s the subtle smoke flavor?

Ommegang beers usually score high in my book, this one fell a little short of expectations.

House Stout (2026) from Brewery Ommegang. 16 fl oz can, purchased 02/04/26 from Franklin Beer, Franklin, PA. $ 3.75/$ 0.235/fl oz. In reefer at distributor, stored at 40 degrees F at home. Reviewed 10/04/26, review 3722. Note that I use DD/MM/YY protocol.
Stamped on can bottom “BEST BY 09JAN27.” Served at 53.0 degrees F in a hand washed and dried Jester King snifter. The final temperature is 55.2 degrees F.
Appearance – 4.
First pour – Medium Amber (SRM 12), clear.
Body – Ruby Brown (SRM 24), opaque. Under direct light, same. When rear-lit, entire glass glows ruby.
Head – Huge (Maximum 7.3 cm, aggressive center pour). Light Biscuit, high density with some interior rocks, average duration; the head drops to a rocky 1.0 cm crown fed by spotty carbonation, and a complete, rocky cap.
Lacing – None.
Aroma – 3 – Light aroma of roasted malt. No hops, no alcohol.
Flavor – 3 – Slightly bitter with lightly roasted malt. No hops, no alcohol (4.8 % according to the label). Distinctly NO MAPLE. No dimethylsulfide or diacetyl. No gastric warming.
Palate – 4 – Medium: Slightly dry: Soft carbonation.
Style: Follows the BA style description.
Final impression and summation: 3.5 Uncredited label art. Not much to say – when the appearance and the palate are better than the flavor and aroma… Despite the rating, it just doesn’t have nose and flavor to make me want to finish this can, let alone buy more.