Shoreline Singing Sands Oatmeal Stout

Good looking ale, a clear, very dark brown body with a thick & creamy tan head that laced the glass in sheets. The faint aroma has lightly toasted malts and a splash of coffee with a lactic sourness that seemed out of place. Same with the flavor. A drop or two of milk chocolate is introduced, but the finished light sourness damages the overall impression.

<font size=-4><a href=http://www.ratebeer.com/Places/ShowPlace.asp?PlaceID=4970>Shoreline Brewery, Michigan City, IN<font size=-1>

1st batch on tap: Brown hue with ruby highlights, frothy tan head, and very good lace. The aroma has notes of caramel, black, and chocolate malts with apple and liquorice tones as well. The taste starts earthy with a malty mocha background. The oats are noticeable but there is a very nice addition of anise or liquorice flavors on the finish, nicely complex all told. The feel is smooth and creamy but still could use a bit more body. WOW, this is much better than expected. Sam do not change a thing with this beer.

On tap at the brewpub. The body was black with orange at the edges and a khaki head. The aroma was earthy chocolate and coffee. There was also some freshly washed laundry. The taste was milk chocolate with some light tobacco hints.

Draft sample at brewery. Poured dark brown with a large creamy off-white creamy head that lasted with good lacing. Moderate bready roasted malty aroma. Medium to full body with a creamy texture. Medium sweet roasted flavor with a medium sweet finish of moderate duration. Good drinkable stout.

Draft at the brew pub. Dark brown color with orange highlights. Head was thick, light tan, and laced the glass. Aroma was milk chocolate. Tasted of sprucy hops and chocolate. Dry on the tongue with a bitter finish. Not great.