All-Grain - Samuel Smiths Oatmeal Stout - Page 5

**EdMerican** · 02-09-2012, 08:00 AM

I brewed this one on Dec 12 and kegged Jan 4. I will say that I have had extensive experience in the drinking of SS Oatmeal. I followed the grain and hop bill to a "t", only changing to S-04 yeast. Mashed single infusion at 156. OG 1.051 with final coming in right at 1.010. Not sure where the hell I went wrong after all these great reviews, but it wound up pretty lame to me (though some friends go wild for it). It pours nice, with a nice thick creamy head that dissipates fairly quickly. Color seems a tad light and transparent, though definitely not see through. Minimal lacing, which I could really care less about. Nose is slightly roasty and smells a bit like cheap coffee grounds, with hints of vanilla and oak if you really look for it. Mouthfeel is rather watery. Tastes slightly roasty, with maybe some rye flavor. It doesn't taste like anything I have had before, but reminds me more of a lighter brown porter than a stout by taste and feel. WTF DID I DO WRONG!?

I may have to try again, based on the reviews.

Its not as if its really bad, I suppose. But it sure didn't live up to my expectations and I don't really care for it. Now wish I had bottled it, so it would be easier to give away.

Any advise?

**rico567** · 02-09-2012, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdMerican

I brewed this one on Dec 12 and kegged Jan 4. I will say that I have had extensive experience in the drinking of SS Oatmeal. I followed the grain and hop bill to a "t", only changing to S-04 yeast. Mashed single infusion at 156. OG 1.051 with final coming in right at 1.010. Not sure where the hell I went wrong after all these great reviews, but it wound up pretty lame to me (though some friends go wild for it). It pours nice, with a nice thick creamy head that dissipates fairly quickly. Color seems a tad light and transparent, though definitely not see through. Minimal lacing, which I could really care less about. Nose is slightly roasty and smells a bit like cheap coffee grounds, with hints of vanilla and oak if you really look for it. Mouthfeel is rather watery. Tastes slightly roasty, with maybe some rye flavor. It doesn't taste like anything I have had before, but reminds me more of a lighter brown porter than a stout by taste and feel. WTF DID I DO WRONG!?

I may have to try again, based on the reviews.

Its not as if its really bad, I suppose. But it sure didn't live up to my expectations and I don't really care for it. Now wish I had bottled it, so it would be easier to give away.

Any advise?

Mine (brewed last December) came out about like yours did. Not sure I'll try this again. I've got too many other good recipes to brew....

archer75 · 02-09-2012, 12:49 PM

Yeah, mine didn't taste a thing like the beer it was meant to clone. I picked up a bottle of SS oatmeal stout to compare. Vastly different.

But I consider that a good thing. As it turns out, I don't like SS Oatmeal Stout but I do like this clone attempt. Everyone i've shared it with loves it too.

I think it could use a bit more body but that's about it.

Chedda · 02-09-2012, 09:38 PM

Hey guys I've been thinking about trying this recipe out for a while now but these recent comments have me a little worried. I don't want a watery brown ale.

What are everyone's thoughts on thickening it up a bit. I bought all the ingredients today and plan to brew tomorrow after work. Maybe upping the oats? Maybe 1.5lbs?

ControlTech · 02-10-2012, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chedda

Hey guys I've been thinking about trying this recipe out for a while now but these recent comments have me a little worried. I don't want a watery brown ale.

What are everyone's thoughts on thickening it up a bit. I bought all the ingredients today and plan to brew tomorrow after work. Maybe upping the oats? Maybe 1.5lbs?

You may have already brewed, but I thought I would throw in my 2 cents.

First, I enjoyed it but would tweak it.

I would, and will do, as advised earlier in this thread and add a bit of flaked barley and carapils. Also, I wish I would have toasted my oats a bit more, to really get the toasted flavor. I was concerned about them burning, They could have been darker. I did use a full pound of oats. I think the recipe called for .5 pound.

Anyway....Happy Brewing!

Chedda · 02-10-2012, 02:36 AM

Thanks, I'm definitely going to use a full pound of oats. What kind of oats did everyone use? I have a pound of flaked oats, is that what everyone else has been toasting? I really want that flavor to be present

Chedda · 03-08-2012, 04:35 AM

Just bottled yesterday, 3 weeks in the primary no secondary. Tasted amazing, can't wait!

**EdMerican** · 03-08-2012, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chedda

Just bottled yesterday, 3 weeks in the primary no secondary. Tasted amazing, can't wait!

Sure hope it turns out better for you, than it did me.

Chedda · 03-24-2012, 05:28 PM

Cracked on open the other day, think it came out really well. It might have a little less body than I would have liked, but you can really taste the roasted flavor. Will definitely make again.

**EdMerican** · 03-24-2012, 11:31 PM

Did it taste anything at all like Sammy's?