Trader Joe's Stockyard Oatmeal Stout

Stockyard Oatmeal Stout at Trader Joe's is a surprisingly tasty stout for $5.99 a six-pack. It's a chocolate tasting stout with minimal bitterness. It almost finishes too sweet. In my opinion it could have a little more bitterness, if not from hops then at least from some roasted grains. It is smooth, which I believe is requirement for an oatmeal stout. The only real complaint I have about this stout is that it has a somewhat chalky aftertaste. Otherwise it's a very affordable stout.

Famous for good cheap beer

Kudos to Famous Liquors in Lombard. They're currently blowing out six-packs of Dundee India Pale Ale for $3.99 a six-pack. I picked up a six tonight and the light amber ale is quite tasty, fairly fresh and sufficiently hoppy (although not terribly bitter.) Chinook and Hallertauer hops contribute cedar and spicy, grassy hop flavors to this ale. It's also surprisingly dry, but not too much so. If you're unable to get to Famous, Chicago area beer drinkers should be able to find Dundee ales at their local Binny's for $6.49 a six. Dundee ales are brewed in Rochester, New York at the Genessee brewery.

If the Dundee isn't a big enough beer for you there's still a few cases left of 2010 Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barley Wine. This classic, massive American craft beer is being nearly given away for $6.99 a six-pack (also at Famous.) Act now, since supplies are limited. Dieters should be forewarned though: the Bigfoot is massive in terms of hops, malt and alcohol as well as calories: about 350 per 12-ounce bottle!