Oatmeal stout is one of the most popular and beloved styles of beer. Not only does it have a smooth, creamy texture, but its dark color and roasted flavor make it the perfect companion to a cold winter evening. Brewing an oatmeal stout can be intimidating for new brewers, but with this recipe, you'll be able to make a delicious beer in no time!
The key to making an excellent oatmeal stout is getting the right combination of ingredients. The base is made up of pale ale malt, which provides a light color and body. To add complexity to the flavor, both roasted barley and black malt are used. These two ingredients give the beer its dark color and roasted flavor. Finally, oats are added to give the beer its signature creamy texture.
To begin brewing your oatmeal stout, start by preparing your grains. Start with 10 pounds of pale ale malt and 1 pound each of roasted barley and black malt. You will also need 2 pounds of flaked oats for this recipe. Crush your grains lightly in a grain mill (or have them pre-crushed at your local homebrew supply store). Once all of your grains have been milled, bring 3 gallons of water to a boil in your brew pot or kettle. Once boiling, turn off the heat and add in your crushed grains slowly while stirring continuously until all of the grains are fully incorporated into the water (this is known as mashing). Let this mixture sit for 60 minutes while stirring occasionally before draining off 1 gallon into another pot or kettle as “wort” (this is what will become your beer).
Once you have drained off 1 gallon as wort, bring this liquid back up to a rolling boil for 60 minutes while adding hops according to the recipe you are using (it's important that you add hops at different intervals during this step). After 60 minutes has passed, turn off the heat and cool down the wort quickly by transferring it into an ice bath or using a wort chiller if you have one available. Once cooled down to 80 degrees Fahrenheit or below, transfer the wort back into your brew pot or kettle with 2 gallons of fresh cold water that has been boiled and cooled down beforehand. Now let's move onto fermentation!
Transfer your cooled wort into a sanitized fermenter such as a plastic bucket or glass carboy using an auto-siphon if availabe (otherwise use two spoons or other sanitized utensils). Pitch yeast according to instructions on packet/package then seal fermenter with stopper/airlock device on top (this allows carbon dioxide gas from fermentation process escape without letting air back in). Place fermenter in cool dark place away from direct sunlight – allow fermentation process take place over next 2 weeks (or longer depending on type/brand yeast used). At end fermentation process rack/transfer beer from fermenter into sanitized bottles leaving 1 inch headspace at top – cap bottles after filling them up with sanitized caps/cappers then allow bottles condition at room temperature for 2-3 weeks before consuming/serving them chilled!
Congratulations – you just made yourself some delicious home brewed oatmeal stout! Enjoy responsibly!
Characteristics of an Oatmeal Stout
An oatmeal stout is a dark, full-bodied beer that has a smooth, creamy mouthfeel and a roasted malt character. It's brewed with oat malt, whch adds a slight sweetness and body to the beer. The oat malt also helps to create a smooth texture in the beer. Hops are used for bittering and aroma, as well as to balance out the sweetness of the malt. The roasted malts used in an oatmeal stout give it its characteristic dark color and toasted flavor profile. The end result is a medium-bodied beer with sweet chocolate or coffee notes, a hint of roasted grain, and a slightly dry finish.
Amount of Oats Needed for Oatmeal Stout
When making an oatmeal stout, it is best to use 5 to 10 percent oats by weight, relative to the total grain weight. This percentage allows for a good balance of flavor, mouthfeel, and practicality. Oats can provide a pleasant sweetness and a thick, creamy texture to the beer, but if too much is used it can create undesirable harshness and astringency. For this reason, using 5-10 percent oats is recommended in order to achieve a well-rounded oatmeal stout.
The Health Benefits of Oatmeal Stout
Yes, oatmeal stout is a healthy type of beer. Oats are used to add body and texture to the beer, which makes it both creamy and nutritious. It is also rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and phosphorus. It also contains antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and boost your immune system. Plus, oatmeal stout has fewer calories than other types of beer, making it an ideal choice for those looking to watch their calorie intake.
Fermentation Time for Oatmeal Stout
Oatmeal stout typically takes around 5-7 days to ferment completely. After the initial fermentation slows, it is recommended to transfer the beer into a carboy and allow it to finish fermentation in the secondary, which usually takes around two weeks. After this two week period of secondary fermentation, you can proceed to bottling day.
Types of Oats Used in Oatmeal Stouts
An oatmeal stout typically includes a combination of oat malt, rolled oats, and flaked oats. Oat malt is made from oats that have been malted—or soaked in warm water and allowed to germinate—and kilned, whch is a process of drying the grains with heat. Rolled oats are whole oats that have been steamed and then rolled flat into flakes. Finally, flaked oats are steamed, flattened and then lightly toasted for extra flavor. All three types of oats contribute to the beer's flavor and texture, resulting in a creamy mouthfeel and nutty character that enhances the roasted barley used in oatmeal stouts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, oatmeal stouts are a unique and flavorful beer with a rich history. It is made by combining oatmeal, malt, and hops to create a unique flavor profile that includes notes of chocolate, coffee, and roasted barley. Oatmeal stouts are relatively easy to brew at home, requiring only 5-10 percent of oats in the grist and two weeks for fermentation. This makes it an accessible option for novice brewers as well as experienced ones. Additionally, oatmeal stouts are one of the healthiest types of beer due to their high antioxidant content from dark grains. With its delicious flavor and health benefits, an oatmeal stout is a great choice for any home brewer or beer enthusiast looing for something new and exciting.
