We’ve hit the toughest stretch of the year, the holidays are over but we still have 2-3 months of cold and dark weather before things start moving towards spring. One positive note, it’s stout season! I love rich, dark and malty beers. While I enjoy the imperial and bourbon barrel aged varieties of stout, and even partake in an occasional stout brewed with donuts, cake or other crazy pastry additions, I am really a fan of “standard” strength stouts that pack big malt flavor without putting you under the table. Oatmeal stouts are especially good for finding the balance between big flavor and moderate ABV, the oats add lots of body without adding much booze, so the beer is rich without overpowering alcohol. I am always in search of more high quality oatmeal stouts, so I was excited to try Long Beards Oatmeal Stout from Foley Brothers Brewing in Vermont. Long Beards Oatmeal Stout is available on a rotating basis on draft and in 16 oz cans.
Foley Brothers Long Beards Oatmeal Stout pours nearly black with a solid tan head. The aroma features some rich roasted malts. These malts also lead the flavor, notes of milk chocolate, toffee and coffee. There is enough hop character for balance, subtle earthy and herbal flavors plus a hint of bitter bite. Long Beards is medium-full bodied, very smooth and not overly boozy at 6% ABV. The finish is rich with some lingering malt flavor. This is a really nice oatmeal stout, I will definitely drink a few of these to help get through the long winter. Hoppy Boston score: 4.5/5.
Previous Foley Brothers Reviews:
Hoppy Boston 
