Schlafly Oatmeal Stout

Tasting Notes

The aroma leads with roasted barley, dark chocolate, and a faint hint of espresso, grounded by a subtle earthiness. On the palate, the oats deliver a notably smooth, almost velvety body that softens the roast bitterness without making the beer feel heavy. Flavors of bittersweet cocoa and mild coffee dominate, with a quiet nuttiness in the background. The finish is moderately dry, with the roast lingering gently rather than asserting itself harshly.

About the Brewery

Schlafly is based in St. Louis, Missouri, and founded in 1991 as one of the first craft breweries in the state. They operate out of the Tap Room location in downtown St. Louis and have been a consistent anchor of the Midwest craft scene for decades. Their lineup leans toward well-executed traditional styles rather than trend-chasing, and their stouts and seasonal offerings have built a loyal regional following over the years.

Food Pairings

Oysters on the half shell are a classic match because the roasty bitterness cuts through the brine and amplifies the oyster's minerality. A slow-braised beef stew works well since the beer's dark malt character mirrors the deep savory notes of the meat. Chocolate cake or a brownie plays off the cocoa undertones already present in the glass. Sharp cheddar or aged Gouda provides enough fat and salt to balance the dry roast finish without either overwhelming the other.

Style Guide

Oatmeal stout is a dark ale defined by the addition of oats to the grain bill, which contributes a smoothness and roundness to the body that plain roasted stouts don't always have. The style traces its modern popularity to British brewing tradition, though it largely fell out of production mid-20th century before craft brewers revived it. Roasted barley and dark malts drive the flavor — think chocolate and coffee — but the oats soften the bitterness and give the mouthfeel a silky quality. It sits between a dry Irish stout and a fuller milk stout in terms of body and sweetness.