Maybe it’s just a coincidence, but a few years after I moved to Georgia, the archaic laws that limited the alcohol content of beer to 6% started to go by the wayside. First in Georgia, and now in North Carolina. Beer has always seemed to follow me wherever I go (or maybe it’s the other way around), after all. Maybe my enthusiasm was starting to rub off.

I just love a good oatmeal stout. Wilfred Brimley probably does, too. Its the right thing to do, he might say, as he hoists a glass and enjoys its silky, rich flavor. But tonight I'm not drinking an oatmeal stout. I'm drinking an oatmeal porter. Highland Oatmeal Porter to be specific.

The Highland Brewing company is located in Asheville, North Carolina. The company was established in 1994 with a brewhouse made up of cobbled together dairy equipment (which is actually more common than you might think in the brewing industry).

Highland brews a number of interesting beers, including a tasty IPA and Mocha Stout. All of their beers are limited by North Carolina law to 6% alcohol by volume, though a movement is afoot to raise that ceiling in the state legislature.

Oatmeal Porter is available in bottles and on draft in parts of the Carolinas, Tennessee, and now Georgia. I have seen it in Atlanta at Summits Wayside Tavern and in six-packs at Greens liquors. Highland also sells some of their beers in 22-ounce "bomber" bottles, a great way to try the beer without springing for an entire six-pack if you are hesitant.

Could Oatmeal Porter be good for you? The fibrous oat solids that benefit you when you consume your morning bowl don't make it into the bottle, so Oatmeal Porter isn't any better than other beers in that regard. But studies have shown that moderate alcohol consumption may well be heart healthy. You be the judge.

Highland Oatmeal Porter pours to a jet black color with a creamy, medium sized tan head formation and an enticing roasty nose. The palate has a good dose of rich chocolate pudding flavor to it. Its a little roasty, but not overly so, and a little thinner in body than a stout. There's a hint of licorice, too.

Now, you're looking for oats, right? You can't miss them. They add a smoothness and silky texture to the beer. They're a little pasty, too. All in all they blend nicely with the chocolate flavors. The finish is balanced with a gentle kiss of grassy hops.

If Highland Oatmeal Porter has a flaw, it is that it is a bit light in body. I think it could do with just a bit more texture to make it a top-notch brew. As it is, however, it's still a real treat. Try some today. And tell them Wilfred sent you.

Update May 5th 2012: Today may be Cinco de Mayo, but I'm in more of a Highland mood myself. I brought home a 64 ounce growler of Highland Oatmeal Porter from Marietta's Moondog Growlers (see photo) and it's delightful.

So smooth, silky, chocolaty and delicious. Lightly roasty but eminently drinkable, with the slick and seductive oat notes and a hint of licorice so very present. That pasty character is still there, and I still think this beer could use a tad more body, but I still enjoy it immensely. I took home 64 ounces for $11.99 in a growler freshly filled from the tap. What a steal.

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.

(B)=Bottled

(D)=Draft

(G)=Growler



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