Big Rock Brewery East Coast Oyster Stout American Stout at 5% ABV | 60 IBU (C$2.83 at Quarry Park Calgary Co-Op, 330 ml, best before 27-Nov-2017, acquired 2-Aug-2017, reviewed 8-Oct-2017)
Appearance: clear ruby brown with one finger of creamy beige head diminishing gradually to a persistent cap, patchy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: mild, caramel, chocolate, light brine. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (7/10) Medium-full body, moderate carbonation, dry medium duration moderate bitter finish. (4/5)
I’m not sure exactly when Oyster Stouts actually began using whole oysters, but I guess this is a thing now. Traditionally, oyster shells were used as a fining agent, and the calcium carbonate leaching into the wort helped accentuate certain flavours. I’m not sure adding the entire mollusc makes much difference here: I want to say I’m getting a mild brininess, but that’s about all I’m discerning as far as “oyster” goes. The bitterness level for this is a bit of a shock, coming as it does from a fairly mainstream brewery, and while not entirely unwelcome is just a tad edgy. A decent enough offering, overall. (15/20)
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
