Pairing stouts with oysters is apparently a thing people do. It always seemed odd in my mind, but I’ll let people have their fun. On Stradbroke, rock oyster season runs from September through to February; Straddie Brewing brewed an oatmeal stout at the beginning of the 2022/23 season, and deemed the end of the season a worthy time to put out a big ol’ American stout.
Big Rock Stout sits at a hefty 7.6 percent ABV, just shy of the imperial benchmark, which is a very comfortable place for a stout, if you ask me. The full brown head promises intense flavour, and gives off waftings of smooth vanilla and citrus. At first sip, I found Big Rock to be all about the chocolate malts and roasted barley: rich, roasty coffee, bitter cocoa and smooth vanilla led the way, with rolled oats adding to the thick, oily body.
But after you've come to grips with those flavours, a fresh citrus character bursts through, spritzing into your life. If you’ve ever tried a Cafe Romano - espresso with a twist of lemon or lemon peel - it gave me that vibe. If you haven’t tried one, give it a go; it’s an enlivening experience.
In the meantime, live it up with a Big Rock Stout.
Mick Wüst
Published March 15, 2023 2023-03-15 00:00:00
