The Imp and the Madhouse Oyster Stout by RavenBeer is being judged as BJCP Category 34C, Experimental Beer. Although Oyster Stout is not an officially recognized style, it enjoys a colorful and mythical history. Some examples are meant as accompaniments to shellfish dishes, while other examples, like this beer, are actually brewed with oysters.
This beer's aroma is fairly standard for a stout, with low chocolate and nutty character. It pours a very dark brown and at first contains a moderate brown head. The head quickly disappears, possibly due to the presence of oils, you know, from the oysters. This beer's flavor is moderately bitter throughout, and tastes nutty with a hint of roasted malts. As you might expect, there is a serious briny, brackish flavor overtone to all of this. The finish is flavorful, bitter, slightly ashy, and a touch salty. The smooth, creamy mouthfeel is this beer's strength. This tasty and strongly flavored stout is best paired with food. Overall, it's a keeper.