Rosie Parks Oyster Stout

This bottle of Rosie Parks Oyster Stout was part of a sample package received recently from Fordham Brewing. I had received a press release previously from the brewery and was looking forward to trying the beer. The brewery has partnered with Ryleigh’s Oyster Food & Spirits to add Avery’s Pearls oyster shells to the Stout. The oyster is a proprietary variety from Ryleigh’s and is farm-raised in Hog Island Bay, Virginia. A portion of the sales of Rosie Parks Stout will go to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum to support the restoration of the famed oystering boat, the Rosie Parks.

Fordham Rosie Parks Oyster Stout pours a deep cola color with a thin mocha head. The aroma is faint, with roasted malt and a hint of sweetness. Roasted coffee and dark chocolate combines with slight earthiness to complete the flavor profile. As the beer warms it gains a slight brine aspect that gives it a unique flavor. The carbonation is moderate and tingles the tongue. The roasted flavor and a faint salty brine note lingers in the mouth at the end.

Some folks consider "oyster stouts" to be a bit of a gimmick that adds little to the beer, or even detracts. The inclusion of oysters, at least in this region, is often done as a means of supporting the restoration of the oysters and their habitat. If the beer gets a unique and enjoyable flavor as a result, that's even better. I did enjoy the flavor of Rosie Parks Oyster Stout. It's a decent stout and the oyster shells used in the brewing gives the beer a flavor twist that is interesting and rather enjoyable. I'm looking forward to opening the second bottle I have on hand; I'm thinking with some stinky cheese or oyster chowder perhaps.

The beer reviewed here was a promotional sample from the brewery. My impressions are provided of my own free will.