Beer Review: Ipswich Oatmeal Stout

Reviewing the Ipswich Oatmeal Stout from Mercury Brewing Company out of Massachusetts.
Score: 94

Served in a Surly Darkness snifter and enjoyed on 03/29/12. Thank you beer advocate user silentjay1 for sending me this beer as an extra!

Appearance: Pours a deep brown, almost pitch black color. Totally opaque -- no light cuts through this beer. Two-plus fingers of foamy khaki head at pour slowly settles into a thin creamy layer. Amazing lacing, undying retention. Shelves of frothy head cling to the side of the glass forever. 5/5

Smell: Toasted oats, coffee, roasted malt and chocolate malt. Raw chocolate, cocoa marshmallow, light hops and a hint of citrus. 4/5

Taste: Tons of roastiness throughout. Roasted oats, creamy oatmeal and unsweetened chocolate. There is a light mix of creamy vanilla and marshmallow in the finish, and a touch of hoppy citrus on the midpalate. There's is also a hint of roasted coffee flavor in the background of the finish. The flavors are a medley of bitterness, but the beer is not overly bitter. Very balanced and flavorful. 4.5/5

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied, modest (but the perfect amount of) carbonation. Creamy mouthfeel. Bitter finish. 4/5

Overall: Like a chocolatier New Glarus Road Slush on steroids. Yummy! One of the better oatmeal stouts I have had. If you liked Wake-n-Bake, you will certainly enjoy this one.

Recommendation: Seek this one out. Even casual beer drinkers should enjoy this brew.

Pairings: Gruyere cheese or swiss-and-almond cheese spread.

Cost: $12.99 for a six pack.