Judge's Review: 93 Rating - Buffalo Bill's Black Pumpkin Oatmeal Stout by Buffalo Bill's Brewery

Buffalo Bill's Black Pumpkin Oatmeal Stout by Buffalo Bill's Brewery was evaluated as an Autumn Seasonal Beer (Category 30B) from the 2015 BJCP Guidelines. The goal is to evoke a harvest-themed dish balancing spice and other adjuncts with malt – with the possibility for restrained hop and alcohol character. The base beer style is a 16B Oatmeal Stout.  Briefly put, in addition to pumpkin and spice, one is looking for roasted malt and creamy oatmeal character.

Ecstatic about the forward aromas of low warming vanilla and creamed oats, that an integrated blend of roasted cacao nibs and spices reminiscent of nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom support. The appearance is on point with a persistent creamy tan head and a clear but almost opaque dark brown color.

The tannic cinnamon/nutmeg led spice blend is quickly met by pleasantly slick and creamy roasted chocolate and chunks of fresh pumpkin – like a roasted pumpkin brownie. The finish while slightly spice dominate and tannic, is clean, dry and crisp.   

Overall, a great smelling and tasting pumpkin oatmeal stout.  It has everything going on – pumpkin, spice, roasted chocolatey malt, creamy oatmeal, and drinkability. Unfortunately, the spice character is a bit dominant and leaves the aftertaste and mouth in a lurch at the end.