WHEN you're up before the sun is, you're either a postman or milkman, or the days have started to condense themselves as they do at this time of year.
That's usually the cue for me to reach for the saucepan and get the porridge on in the morning.
The wholesome benefits of the humble oat are well-documented and it's not just when they're mixed with water and a little milk to serve up a comforting breakfast.
Oatmeal stout has its own restorative benefits, although it's probably not advisable to sink a creamy pint first thing in the morning, especially when you have the school run to navigate and a toddler to look after.
But, like many porters, stouts and dark ales which are poured with increasing regularity, they can provide a nice evening comforter.
So, after topping my day with a hearty bowl of porridge, I decided to tail with the Ulster Black Oatmeal Stout from Brehon Brewhouse.
A jet black stout with an off-white head, the aroma gives hints of chocolate and raisin.
As with all Brehon beers, this is bottle conditioned and the light carbonation contributes to a beautifully creamy mouthfeel.
It has a sweet and slightly nutty flavour, which you'd expect from an oatmeal stout, but that also gives way to a roasty and almost smokey taste at the back end.
There are also the ubiquitous chocolate and coffee flavours dancing around this stout, but there's very little bitterness and the smoothness continues through to the end.
It's a hearty stout, but not one that feels overly heavy, which is great news if you have two or three tucked away for a nice cold evening.
It can be paired with a range of foods, whether you're having a snack of unsalted nuts and dried fruit, to stews and smoked meats – and will also go down well with desserts featuring chocolate or caramel.
