Beer and seafood can be a beautiful marriage but seafood IN beer is a completely new adventure. Enter the Oyster Stout. This is a traditional dry English stout with the addition of oyster shells or even whole mollusks in the brewing process. Back in the days of yore, English pub goers would munch on the slimy treats while drinking their favorite stouts. It was during that time some daring brewer decided to throw them in the kettle and call it a day. I have heard of this style but never seen one until I got Flying Dog Pearl Necklace in my store. I was excited because I always like a little novelty in my beer like Twisted Pines Ghost Face Killah brewed with Jolokia (ghost) peppers, but that is another blog.

Appearance

The bottle is adorned with the wild Ralph Steadman artwork depicting a hellish looking hound in a pearl necklace. The label states that it is brewed with local Rappahannock River oysters and proceeds go to the Oyster Recovery Partnership. I am serving it slightly chilled in my Guinness pub glass. It pours a murky java color with a thin tan head.

Smell  

Roasty, burnt caramel, sea air, bittersweet cocoa nibs, char. I love that salt air scent. 

Taste

Smooth, briny, earthiness, soft charcoal, kiss of hops and a roasty finish. What a great unique flavor! It would probably be delightful with twelve fresh half-shells.

Oyster Stouts are not the only “seafood beers.” Anheuser-Busch offers Budweiser and Bud Light Chelada, beer blended with clamato or tomato and clam juice. I have not had this myself but I have been told it tastes much like a mild Bloody Mary. I believe Pearl Necklace is the only oyster stout ABC has to offer.  Stop by my store, make up a mix and match six-pack, and add one in!

Adam Shugan, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Beer Consultant - Gainesville

Follow him on Twitter @abcbeeradams