Stockyard Oatmeal Stout is a beer that I picked up at Trader Joe's. Apparently, Stockyard Oatmeal Stout is a beer made for Trader Joe's by Goose Island, although there's no indication on the bottle that would indicate this (the bottle simply say Stockyard Brewing Company). My impressions of the beer are favorable. The expiration date was printed on the back of the bottle, and the beer has a nice sweet smell out of the bottle. The beer is lightly carbonated, and has a malty bittersweet roasted flavor with hints of coffee and chocolate. The beer is somewhat light in flavor and density, and goes down smooth with a dry aftertaste. Stockyard Oatmeal Stout is a good, solid beer, but is noticeably not as good as Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout. Stockyard Oatmeal Stout is not as full flavored, has a lighter texture, and is less creamy than Samuel Smith's rendition. However, it is less expensive and a good alternative if Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout isn't available, or if you'd rather prefer a lighter oatmeal stout that still tastes great.Rating: *** ½
