New Holland "The Poet" Oatmeal Stout

I assume the name of this beer has something to do with Edgar Allen Poe. I can't think of another reason why there be a raven on the front and this is named The Poet. I used to really enjoy reading some Edgar Allen Poe, but the John Cusack movie about him was pretty terrible, and I can't help but think of that movie every time I read some of his writing. It's a shame. I hope that doesn't translate into bad beer.

As you can see, I couldn't coax out much of the head. I was really trying by the end, but this light tan head just didn't want to come. Once I was able to get some, it dissipated very quickly and completely. The result is that this very, very dark brown beer is now naked to the world. The aroma is flour-rich bread, grains, and a little bit of caramel.

First sip is very nice. It has a little bit of bitterness to the back end, but it's sweet overall. The oatmeal is very forward, and that is how it should be. The oats have been scorched a bit on a fire, but that doesn't leave them as anything but smooth grains. I can definitely see sipping this all night long. I'm not going to, but I could definitely see someone doing that.

Tip-in is a strangely bitter and almost sour syrup with the oats and grains hanging around in the back. The middle hits with carbonation at the back of the throat, but the scorched oats are creamy smooth as they slide down with grains and toffee in tow. The finish is where the bitterness spikes as the smokiness from the oats wears off and the carbonation gets in one last swing.

Bottom Line: A perfectly acceptable oatmeal stout. I wish that movie was this good.

3.0/5