Oatmeal Stout

[ncs3221]

I'm planning on bottling for the first time time today! My question is, after bottling an Oatmeal Stout, how long should I wait before drinking, and around what temperature should I keep it? I've found lots of various answers between books, websites, and homebrew store, but just wanted to see what you all think. Thanks!

 

[Brewrifle]

I'd give it a minimum of 3-4 weeks in the bottle at room temperature (low 70's), and it should be good to go.

 

[jonnyp1980]

I made a stout 8% ABV and I have a bottle every week. I'm at two months right now and it keeps getting better. After I hit what I think is perfect..that will set the standard for the recipe and ill wait that long every time.

 

[jonnyp1980]

Oh. And temp was set at 68 degrees

 

[JLem]

You've got a couple of different things to consider here - time to carbonation and time to peak flavor. Most beers will be carbed up in 2-3 weeks when left at 70ish degrees F. Some, particularly higher ABV beers, will take longer. But, jut because it is carbed up doesn't mean that it is ready. As a general rule, bigger, darker beers tend to need a little more age on them for the flavors to really settle in and mesh. Smaller, lighter beers tend not to need as much, if any, aging.

So, your oatmeal stout may well be carbed up after 3 weeks at 70 degrees F, but you'll be amazed at how much better it will taste after 6 weeks.

As always, to each their own, YMMV, etc.