Few beers are as satisfying on a cold winter's day as a good oatmeal stout like Free State's. Do let this one come up from fridge temp though; a cool cellar temperature is the best for serving. This brew pours very dark brown, almost black, capped by a head of medium-brown foam. The aroma profile had us hooked immediately, as the malts and hops combine to create a complex and engaging character. Look for roasted chocolate and coffee notes, brown bread, touches of brown sugar and molasses, some underlying mild fruity esters, wisps of spices and mint, aromatic woods, and a hint of vanilla. Very smooth on the palate, as oatmeal stouts are famous for being, this brew is also deliciously balanced. Hop bitterness and prominent roasty notes meet a proper counterpoint in a touch of residual sweetness. The chocolate and coffee notes from the aroma are present here too, along with the rest of the complex tapestry of wood, earth, and herbal spice notes. This stout will make a great companion to barbecued meats as well as spicy Mexican mole dishes. Dessert pairings are also a good call; coffee ice cream with a chocolate drizzle, as well as good ol' chocolate cake a la mode are high on our list. Cheers!