Ludlam Bay Oyster Stout
Ludlam Island Brewery

Hard to believe this is the first review. 2022 release less than a week in the can. Poured into a Pint glass at 55°. It pours a dark cola color with two fingers of thick, fluffy, light khaki head and lots of thick, clinging lacing. The smell offers burnt coffee, dark chocolate, brown sugar, tobacco smoke, and the telltale brine that denotes an oyster stout. This spot-on. It opens like a Porter or lite Stout with bakers chocolate, burnt coffee grounds, and bitter, nutty char. But then comes the unmistakable taste of the oyster shells; it's briny with a mineral-like quality and the subtle saltiness nicely balances the roastiness of the base stout. It's very tasty. In terms of mouth feel it drinks more like a Porter than a Stout; it doesn't have the viscosity of Ludlam's other Stouts. The carbonation level is just right and it drinks easily at 6.5% ABV. Overall, it's a pleasure to be able to drink an Oyster Stout at least once a year - and a well-crafted one at that. Ludlam Island has quietly established itself as one of the top brewers in South Jersey.