Higsons Oatmeal Stout

◎ Appearance

Deep brown to nearly black hue with a red undertone characteristic of the 35 SRM. The beer pours with a modest tan head that settles into a thin collar, typical of cask-conditioned service. Slight haziness is present, lending an authentic, unpasteurized character to the glass.

◌ Aroma

A restrained but inviting nose leads with gentle roasted grain notes and subtle chocolate undertones from the light roast malt backbone. Oat adjunct softens the aroma, bringing a faint grainy sweetness without dominating. Minimal hop character allows the malt and adjunct profile to take center stage.

◐ Taste

The palate opens with smooth malt character punctuated by a light roast dryness and faint cocoa impression. Oatmeal rounds the mid-palate with a silky, almost creamy mouthfeel that belies the moderate strength. A touch of bitterness at 30 IBU arrives gently on the finish, preventing cloying sweetness while remaining balanced rather than aggressive.

◑ Finish

The finish is clean and relatively short, with the roasted dryness lingering just long enough to cleanse the palate. A subtle drying sensation from restrained hops and roast compounds fades without harshness.