Today’s selections from the Heartland Brewery are their Indiana Pale Ale and Farmer Jon’s Oatmeal Stout. This will be the second-to-last post in the Heartland Brewery series.


The Indiana Pale Ale was a very typical IPA. It was clear, crisp, dry, and hoppy. It’s everything you would want from an IPA. That said, it doesn’t have any “extras” to it that would make it more than just an IPA. You can get the same taste from just about any brewery that makes good IPAs. Goose Island’s and Sierra Nevada’s come to mind.

Try this if you like: IPAs in general

Next up is the Farmer Jon’s Oatmeal Stout. Sadly, the Heartland Brewery claims that it is similar to Guinness. Now, there’s nothing wrong with American Guinness but there are MANY better oatmeal stouts out there. New Glarus makes an excellent one. This beer was far too flavorful for it to be like American Guinness. (Why do I keep saying “American?” Because Guinness is MUCH better in Ireland.)

from http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/5119302288_31f0dc0193.jpg
This was a dark, almost black, opaque stout. It had an oatmeal/malty aroma, and a smooth, malty taste with hints of espresso. If you like coffee stouts but find them a bit too strong for you, this is the beer for you. The espresso was just enough to balance out the oatmeal. No one flavor was overpowering.

Try this if you like: New Glarus Road Slush, New Glarus Coffee Stout, or other oatmeal/coffee stouts.

4 stars