O.V.L. Stout
Russian River Brewing Company

(10 oz pour on draft at the Windsor brewery on 6 Jul 2024... reviewed from notes and recollections)

notes: O.V.L Stout is a porter... its nitro pour is near perfect (head, lace)... roasty-bitter aftertaste with a hint of burnt raisins... it becomes a ripping dry stout for a short time... dark-roast, smoldering

recollections: the only other time I've had this was at the Santa Rosa brewery in 2013... well, clearly the roasted barley takes center stage here, as it should, with any sweetness serving to support the singed grain... I recall its body being big, round, creamy, but swiftly snapping off in the finish, with little-to-no residuals; so great execution... I know we get this in the Philly region (I've seen it once or twice), so I'll surely tuck into one again sooner or later (2348)

 

draught
(nitro) = nitrogen gas pour
The site of this Russian River brewery tap house, was a a tavern named The Old Vic and this beer name stands for Old Vic loyal, a tribute to the loyal patrons of the tavern that used to operate here.
Very dark, mainly auburn with chestnut overtones, for the look. Very creamy, tan head. Moderate levels of mixed dark roast grains and a little touch of blackstrap molasses. The dark roasted malt creates a little bite that lasts awhile.

 

Beautiful beer. Impeccably executed.

 

 

 

 

 

July 27th, 2015 - Onwards to the dark thimbles on the Russian River cornucopia taster banquet. The OVL stout collects a nice head, with a scaled pattern along the edge of the glass, and a light cocoa powder scent. The palate is surprisingly thin, and the flavor disappoints, with a soil style flavor palate, but thin and bitter.