Originally post December, 29th 2013.

Over the years brewers have been putting different things into beer to make a new taste sensation and/or flavor profile. But one ingredient has been used for quite some time now. Oatmeal is one item that is widely used in porters and stouts for a nice touch of sweetness and texture. He is a local North Carolina example of an oatmeal porter, Mother Earth’s Old Neighborhood, 5.5% ABV. This is almost a sessionable oatmeal porter ABV 5.5% ABV. Old Neighborhood pours a deep black color with dark ruby red edges, with a nice big three finger beige head what sticks around quite nicely and forms good looking lacing. I saw no light coming through and I found there to be very little carbonation bubbles. The aroma is like a nice sweet bowl of oatmeal on a cold day with hints of roasted malts. The taste is at first slightly roasted then comes a hint of the sweetness from the oatmeal. I did find a tiny bitterness from the roasted right before the sweetness. The mouthfeel is smooth with a slight creaminess and has a semi-sweet finish with a hint of a roasted character. The after taste is slightly sweeter still with a nice roasted quality. Overall Old Neighborhood Oatmeal Porter is a solid B+ beer. It is easier to drink than others in this style and has a great balance of flavors, and isn’t overdone on one particular thing. I would like to have this one again. So go out and try Mother Earth’s Old Neighborhood Oatmeal Porter and see what you think of it. Cheers! Please enjoy responsibly!