Bob Townsend’s beer pick

> Red Brick Double Chocolate Oatmeal Porter

> Atlanta Brewing Co., Atlanta

> $8.99/ four-pack at metro beverage stores; also on draft at metro beer bars

> Profile: The name is a mouthful. But a blend of roasted malts gives Red Brick Double Chocolate Oatmeal Porter a rich dark chocolate aroma and flavor. And the addition of oatmeal helps smooth the mouthfeel and finish of this brew bold enough to be considered a stout. Originally created as Atlanta Brewing Co.’s winter seasonal, it’s now available year-round on draft, and will be released in four-packs of 12-ounce bottles next week. At 7.7 percent alcohol by volume, it’s the strongest and darkest local beer you can drink day in and day out in Atlanta.

> Pair with: The roasted malt flavors of classic porters make the style a great match for the savory char of grilled steak —- porterhouse anyone? But the chocolate and espresso notes in Double Chocolate Oatmeal Porter also make it a natural with chocolate or creamy desserts. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to a pint and make it a float or serve it with oatmeal chocolate chip cookies or pecan pie.

Bob Townsend is editor of Southern Brew News, a bimonthly beer publication distributed throughout the Southeast.

—- btowns@bellsouth.net