Days of the Beer, July 27

The beer for today is Sam Smith Oatmeal Stout.

On July 27, 1752, Samuel Smith (not that Sam Smith) was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Samuel Smith later was a United States Senator, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives and Mayor of Baltimore.

From 1793 to 1803 he was in the House of Representatives. He left there to be in the Senate until 1815. He took about 8 months off and went back to the House, for 6 years until 1822. He left there and went BACK to being a Senator until 1833. He took some time off until he became the Mayor of Baltimore from 1835 to 1838. Career Politician? Not necessarily. During the American Revolutionary war, he served as captain, major and lieutenant colonel in the Continental Army. He was appointed as a brigadier general (1 star) during the Whiskey Rebellion (about taxes on liquor). He was a major general (2 stars) during the war of 1812.

As for the beer:

Originally a drink for lactating mothers, oatmeal stout was described as nutritional on early labels. Oats are in the same family as barley, and a small addition yields great flavor. Popular in the late 1800’s, the last oatmeal stout was brewed before the First World War until Samuel Smith reintroduced this style in 1980.

Almost opaque, with an unusually silky texture and complex, medium-dry velvet palate. Bittersweet finish.

This is one of Kriddy's favorite beers. It's a 98% on Ratebeer and an A-\A on Beer Advocate.