Island Creek Oyster Stout, Harpoon Brewery, Boston, MA

Remember a few weeks ago when I said that the Harpoon 100 Barrel Series beers were generally very good? I found an exception: Island Creek Oyster Stout.

Like most stouts, this one is dark brown/black with a thin tan head. There is a striking aroma of the ocean - primarily driven by the smell of salt water. This aroma sensation carries over into the taste, as the first thing you taste is tinged with salt. Happily, the salty flavor is quickly washed away by the taste of a half-decent stout, followed by a lightly hopped aftertaste. There is some unpleasant metallic flavor as well, unfortunately.

Comparing this oyster stout to the recently reviewed Flying Fish offering, I definitely give the nod to Flying Fish. I don't know if their oysters are better or not, but their beer definitely is.

Rating = 2.0

Interesting, but unspectacular...