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It has been sometime since I've had a Hoppin' Frog beer, and I think it was because they tended to go a little too far astray. Several of their beers had coffee in them. I'm not a fan of coffee in my beer, and I certainly hope this one doesn't have any. It says it's an oatmeal stout, but it also says it's a triple oatmeal stout, and I don't know what that is. It also says it's a Russian imperial stout, and I think I have an idea of what that is. At no point does it say that it is a coffee stout, and I'm happy to hear that.
Notably, this can is only 8.45 fluid oz. So the picture that I've taken shows a normal sized one pint stout glass next to this tiny little can. The very dark beer has a dark brown head, but it took some coaxing to manage to get it to come out. The aroma is so laden with alcohol that it made me check the can again to ensure that this was not cask aged. It doesn't say anywhere on the can that barrels of any kind were involved in the brewing process, but the suspiciously high ABV combined with the aroma really makes me think that there may have been some barrel aging involved.
First sip is quite strong. It is not attempting to hide that 13.8% ABV. The sense of earth in this is quite significant, and it tastes like that earth was hiding mahogany in it. I am really surprised that this doesn't say that it was barrel aged, but I'm going to take them at their word. The sip is a lot to take in, but it is very good. I can start to understand why this is only in these tiny little cans though, as the headiness of the beer seems almost overwhelming with thick molasses stirred into the pot and oats producing enough grain to feed a nation.
Tip-in is syrupy sweet with mahogany, oats, and an overwhelming sensation of molasses that have been lightly charred. The middle becomes too much to gulp, as the thickness and alcohol seem to overwhelm; I don't think I've ever had a regular beer that I didn't think could be gulped. There is no question in my mind that this is barrel aged, and they are liars. LIARS! Or, it's possible I missed reading it on the can. The finish is more molasses smoothness with the charring and earth mixed in expertly.
Bottom Line: I honestly wish it was a bigger can.
4.25/5
