What to pop on Halloween waiting for the kids to come home and the Yankees - Phillies rain delay to end? I have no pumpkin ale in the stash. At least this oatmeal stout is called a beastie.

It pours black with a thick mocha head. Light seeps through at the mahogany rim. Rich dark malty aroma with a bit of cocoa and coffee. In the mouth, this is a interesting combination of dry fruits, roasted malts and dark chocolate flavours in a smooth textured body. A little sweet, extremely moreish. Only six percent so you are not looking at a skull cracker, either. The brewery says the beer is aged in bourbon barrels from Buffalo Trace Distillery - and it is there but there is not an overpowering whiskey presence. All nicely balanced, respecting the primacy of the oats' silkiness.

Great BAer respect.