Rocky Mountain Oyster Stout

In 2012, Wynkoop Brewery made an April Fools’ Day video announcing the creation of Rocky Mountain Oyster Stout, referencing the classic Western snack of fried bull testicles. Fans responded enthusiastically, even though the concept was a joke. Wynkoop followed up by actually brewing the beer.

Jokes aside, beer nerds approve of the nutty brew. Rocky Mountain Oyster Stout is 7.5 percent ABV (alcohol by volume) and three BPB (balls per barrel). And to drive the point home, the self-proclaimed “ballsiest canned beer in the world” is sold in a two-pack. Brewers add roasted barley, seven specialty malts, Styrian Goldings hops, and a hint of sea salt to complete the recipe. The brewery describes the inky, viscous stout as “assertive” (which might be projection). Earthy, savory notes of chocolate and coffee round out the stout’s slightly bitter, dry finish. 

Whether drinkers find themselves intrigued or repulsed by the addition of sliced, roasted testicles, Rocky Mountain Oyster Stout is a testament to the zeitgeist. Brewers in the no-rules frontier of American craft beer effuse humor, enthusiasm, and creativity. If you’re not laughing at this one, you might come around to it after polishing off a two-pack.