Back in Black Oatmeal Stout vs Oatmeal Stout: Which Should You Drink?

HOPIQ FACEOFF

Back in Black Oatmeal Stout

Arrow Factory Brewing

China · Oatmeal Stout

hopIQ rank #3228

74%

Overall similarity

side by side, across 56 flavour tags

Oatmeal Stout

Revelry Brewing Co.

United States · Oatmeal Stout

HOPIQ TAKE

Back in Black if you want a stout with more backbone and staying power, Oatmeal Stout if you want something smoother and easier to drink back-to-back. The half-percent ABV difference and identical IBUs make this about weight class—Arrow Factory's version sits heavier on your palate and lingers longer, while Revelry's feels more approachable. Neither is a bruiser, but Back in Black has the muscle.

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WHEN TO CHOOSE WHICH

Pick Back in Black Oatmeal Stout when…

→You're settling in for a longer session and want complexity to discover
→You prefer stouts with more assertiveness and darker grain character
→You like beers that have a distinct finish and don't fade quickly

Pick Oatmeal Stout when…

→You want an oatmeal stout that doesn't feel heavy or demanding
→You're alternating between styles or just want something session-friendly
→You prefer smoother, creamier mouthfeel over roasted complexity

SIDE BY SIDE

	Back in Black Oatmeal Stout	Oatmeal Stout
ABV	6%	5.5%
Bitterness	Noticeably bitter	Noticeably bitter
Colour	Dark	Dark
Style	Oatmeal Stout	Oatmeal Stout
Origin	China	United States

WHAT IT TASTES OF

9 shared · 5 distinct

Both beers

roastedchocolatefull-bodiedcreamysmoothmaltyrichcoffeedark fruit

STRUCTURE — HOW IT'S BUILT

Back in Black Oatmeal StoutOatmeal Stout

Bitterness

Body

TASTING NOTES

Back in Black Oatmeal Stout

RoastedChocolateFull-bodied

Back in Black hits you with this dark cocoa and roasted grain depth that actually feels substantial for a 6% beer. The oatmeal doesn't soften it into creaminess so much as it adds a subtle grip, like the beer's hugging your mouth. There's a dry finish that keeps you coming back for another sip—it doesn't fade to sweet or disappear. This is the one I'd order when I want to feel like I'm drinking something.

Oatmeal Stout

RoastedSmoothCreamy

Revelry's version is the friend who shows up on a Tuesday night—no pretense, just solid and welcoming. The oatmeal does its job here, creating that silky mouthfeel that makes each sip feel easy. Roasted notes are present but restrained, and the whole thing drinks like it's got less weight. It's cleaner, almost delicate for a stout, which honestly is what makes it dangerous if you're planning to have more than one.

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