Free State Brewery Oatmeal Stout

This one has a special place in my heart after having spent a few years in Lawrence, Kansas, home of the Free State Brewery.  The typical night involved a few stouts with one of the brewery's great meals and then I'd head over to catch a show at the Bottleneck, a small, intimate music venue that hosted national acts.  For a stout-lover, the Free State Oatmeal Stout is a must-try.  It's well balanced and is really smooth, something that you don't see in many microbrew stouts.  Here is the brewery's description:

"Silver Medal Winner 1997 World Beer Championships - Oatmeal Stouts. Our classic dark beer. Full body and a well rounded flavor comes from a foundation of seven different grains. The oats add a special silky texture that complements the roasted malts. The rich malty flavor is spiced with plenty of Northern Brewer and Fuggles hops for balance. Enjoy this perennial Free State Favorite by itself or as a blend with one of our other beers."

Also of note is that this is a very strong beer.  It is not an imperial stout (Free State has its own seasonal imperial), but it doesn't take but a few to really feel the effects.  You can purchase growlers at the brewery.  I have not come across any place online that offers the Free State beers.

Lawrence, Kansas is forty-five minutes west of Kansas City, Missouri.  If you find yourself in the area and have time on your hands, this is the place to go.