Wagner Valley Oatmeal Stout (review)

Beer Review #97

Several years ago, during a wine tour up on Lake Seneca, before I even knew I would fall in love with craft beer, I found myself drinking a fresh-from-the-tap Oatmeal Stout at Wagner Valley Brewing Co. To be quite honest, at that point, I probably still thought that the only kind of beer in the world was American Lager. Although it would be several more years before I became 'obsessed' with craft beer, this Oatmeal Stout was the beer that first showed me that 'beer' was a much wider world than I'd previously been lead to believe by the media, beer swilling relatives, and college buddies. Thank god for that. Since then, I've reviewed 96 other beers, and even if Wagner Valley Oatmeal Stout no longer tastes quite so unique, Its a beer I've never forgotten, and always hoped I might have another run-in with.

Upon pouring, this pitch black stout presents a short lived tan head and leaves behind minimal lacing. Its strong suit seems to be its aroma - coco nibs, coffee, and a slight smokiness (a hint of bacon even?"). In regards to flavor, this beer now reminds me most of Edmund Fitzgerald Porter (Review #66), with a pronounced smoky - tangy note that compliments the bitterness of the coffee and dark chocolate. Oatmeal provides a thick, smooth, creamy and filling mouth-feel that I quite like.

Musical Pairing: A Life Left Behind by Dream Theater

Twin Tiers Beer Trail:
-Twin Tiers Craft Beer Club (Sayre)
- The Jolly Farmer, Waverly (Waverly)
- Bluestone Brewing Company (Sayre)
- Diversion Brewing Co. (Chemung)
- River Barge Brewing (Wyalusing)
- Waverly Discount Beverage (Waverly)
- Soprano's Italian Market (Waverly)
- The Grille at the Train Station (Sayre)