There’s something about an oatmeal stout that just feels right. Maybe it’s the velvety texture. Maybe it’s the rich, roasted flavors. Or maybe it’s that cozy, comforting vibe that makes you want to curl up on a chilly evening with a pint in hand. However you slice it (or sip it), oatmeal stouts are one of the most underrated styles in the beer world—and it’s time we give them their due.
Let’s dive into what makes this style so irresistibly smooth, where it came from, and why it should be your next fridge staple.
What Is an Oatmeal Stout, Anyway?
At its core, an oatmeal stout is a dark ale brewed with—you guessed it—oats. But don’t expect your breakfast bowl in a glass. The oats don’t give the beer a strong oat flavor. Instead, they lend a silky smoothness that sets this style apart from other stouts. Think of it as the difference between black coffee and a well-made latte.
Oatmeal stouts sit somewhere between dry stouts like Guinness and the sweeter milk stouts. They tend to have a moderate roastiness, a full mouthfeel, and a balanced finish—never too sweet, never too bitter. If you’ve ever found other stouts a little too aggressive, this could be your gateway to the dark side.
A Brief History of Oatmeal Stouts
Oatmeal in beer actually goes way back—like Middle Ages back. Back then, brewers used all sorts of grains, including oats, mostly because they were available and cheap. But oats also added astringency and haze, so by the 1800s, most brewers ditched them for cleaner malts.
Then came the Victorian-era health craze. Oats were marketed as a superfood (some things never change), and “oatmeal stout” became a way to brand beer as nutritious and restorative. Spoiler alert: these beers often contained very little oat, sometimes less than 1%.
The style mostly vanished until Samuel Smith’s Brewery revived it in the 1980s with their now-iconic Oatmeal Stout. It was rich, creamy, and smooth—and it redefined the style for modern craft drinkers.
How It’s Brewed: The Oat Factor
What makes an oatmeal stout unique is, unsurprisingly, the oats. Most brewers use flaked oats, which help create that silky texture and creamy body. You’ll also find a mix of roasted malts for color and flavor, along with a neutral or slightly fruity yeast strain.
The hops are kept on the down-low here—just enough to balance the sweetness, but never to steal the show. You’ll typically find oatmeal stouts in the 4.5%–6% ABV range, with low to moderate bitterness.
It’s all about balance: the smooth from the oats, the roast from the malt, and just enough bite to keep things interesting.
What Oatmeal Stouts Taste Like
Flavor-wise, oatmeal stouts are like wrapping your taste buds in a warm, dark blanket. Expect notes of roasted coffee, dark chocolate, toasted nuts, and sometimes even a touch of raisin or plum. The oats add a subtle nutty sweetness and a slick mouthfeel that lingers just the right amount.
They’re typically dark brown to nearly black in the glass, with a creamy tan head and a rich aroma that promises all the cozy flavors to come.
Perfect Pairings: What to Eat with an Oatmeal Stout
Oatmeal stouts are shockingly food-friendly. Their roasted notes and mellow sweetness play well with both savory and sweet dishes. Here are a few killer pairings:
- Beef stew or pot roast – Deep flavors meet their match
- Grilled cheese and tomato soup – Trust us on this one
- Mushroom risotto – Earthy flavors bring out the beer’s richness
- Chocolate desserts – Think brownies, chocolate mousse, or even oatmeal cookies
Basically, if it’s comfort food, oatmeal stout is probably down to party with it.
Standout Examples to Sip On
Ready to try the style for yourself? These classics are a great place to start:
- Samuel Smith’s Oatmeal Stout (UK) – The gold standard. Smooth, rich, and endlessly drinkable.
- Founders Breakfast Stout (MI, USA) – Not technically just an oatmeal stout (it’s got coffee and chocolate too), but it showcases what oats can do in a bigger beer.
- Anderson Valley Barney Flats (CA, USA) – Creamy and well-balanced, a great “classic” version.
- St. Ambroise Oatmeal Stout (Canada) – Smooth and slightly sweet, with a loyal following for good reason.
If you’re lucky enough to have a local brewery experimenting with the style, give it a shot—oatmeal stouts often shine on tap.
Why You Should Give Oatmeal Stouts a Try (or Revisit Them)
Let’s be honest: some beer lovers shy away from dark beers. Maybe they had a bitter porter once. Maybe they think stouts are all high-ABV bruisers. But oatmeal stouts are the gentle giant of the stout world.
They’re approachable, balanced, and often lower in alcohol than their imperial cousins. That makes them perfect for a relaxed evening—or a quiet moment to yourself.
If you’re already a fan of stouts, consider oatmeal versions a silky-smooth twist. If you’re not a fan yet, this might just be the one that changes your mind.
Oatmeal Stouts in the Craft Beer Landscape
In the world of craft beer, oatmeal stouts might not get the same hype as hazy IPAs or pastry stouts, but they’ve carved out a solid niche. Brewers love them for their drinkability and for the freedom to get creative—think oatmeal stouts with peanut butter, maple, or even chili peppers.
They’re also a style that bridges old-world tradition and new-school flair, making them a favorite for seasoned drinkers and newcomers alike.
A Hug in a Glass
If beer had a comfort food category, oatmeal stout would be at the top of the list. It’s rich without being heavy, flavorful without being overwhelming, and familiar in the best kind of way.
So next time you’re browsing the beer aisle or scoping out a tap list, don’t skip past the oatmeal stout. Pour yourself a pint, take a sip, and let that smooth, creamy goodness remind you why beer is the best beverage on Earth.