First, Some history on the brewery:
In 1847, Samuel Smith, a butcher and cattle dealer from Meanwood, Leeds, funded his son John to buy a struggling brewing business in Tadcaster from the Hartley family. That brewery, founded in 1758, is said to be the oldest in Yorkshire.
John Smith took over the brewery in 1852 forming John Smith's Brewery. He was later joined by his brother William. John then left the brewery to the eldest son of his other brother Samuel and the joint custiodianship of the business to both William and Samuel. However William bought Samuel's half and moved the business to a new brewery, next door, which is where John Smiths is now brewed, then leaving the business to his sister's sons. Meanwhile Samuel's son Samuel Smith, inherited the Old Brewery on William's death in 1886, and re-opened the brewery under his own name. He then ran it in competition with his cousins' business, John Smiths. Samuel Smith's remains independent, the only brewery in Tadcaster to do so.
Now, onto the oatmeal Stout:
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.
I really enjoy this beer. I believe i will like this more and more after i start drinking others and come back to this in a few weeks. I can definitely taste the oatmeal introduced in it. it's overall pretty good. A nice sized pint bottle is always a plus. I'll post more after i'm done with the whole bottle.
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