Suds & Smoke: Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout

Welcome back to Suds & Smoke!

Today we have a pairing that is built for winter time here in New Hampshire; A stout and a quick smoke. I don’t typically drink Stouts, but around this time every year without fail I go through a stretch of really enjoying stouts. Today’s stout is one of the oldest, if not the oldest around; Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout out of the UK. This one has always been highly recommended, but I just never got around to testing it out. One of the main gripes I’ve read in reviews is that the SS Oatmeal Stout is far too thin, for me that really sounds like a positive. Stouts in general for me are far too thick.

The smoke to join the suds is one that I fell in love with quite a few years ago, the AJ Fernandez Last Call Maduro in the Chiquitas 3.5 x 50 size. This smoke makes a bigger statement in that 3.5 inches than most can in traditional lengths. With the bitter cold that comes along with winter here in New England, a short smoke is the wisest choice.

The Last Call Maduro has a Pennsylvania Broadleaf wrapper, which is one of my favorite varieties and Nicaraguan binder and filler. The sharp notes of black pepper help balance out the sweetness found in the stout. Both the Suds and Smoke have a prominent molasses note that work together beautifully. The beer leans more towards a brown sugar sweetness and the Last Call serves up more dark chocolate slightly bitter sweetness, that pair up perfectly.

The Samuel Smith Oatmeal stout also adds an additional layer of chocolate, leading this combo to be a real Chocolate bomb. This is a pairing that I highly recommend, especially for those trying to find some enjoyment via Suds & Smoke during the Winter season.

True to Description (20): 17

Appearance (5): 4

After Taste (10): 8

Drinkability (10): 7

Aroma (5): 5

Versatility (20): 15

Overall Enjoyability (30): 27

Overall Score: 83