Bell's Oatsmobile 6Pk

Bell's Oatsmobile 6Pk is a 4.3% ABV all-malt session pale ale from Bell's Brewery, packaged in a six-pack of 12 oz servings. It earned a 93/100 composite score from Beer Connoisseur, with near-perfect marks in flavor (38/40) and aroma (22/24). Note that this beer has been discontinued by the brewery, making remaining stock increasingly difficult to find.

Quick Facts: ABV: 4.3%  |  IBUs: 35  |  Origin: Comstock, Michigan, USA  |  Style: Session Pale Ale  |  Brewery: Bell's Brewery

Production & Heritage

Bell's Brewery, founded in 1985 by Larry Bell in Kalamazoo, Michigan, grew into one of the Midwest's most respected independent craft breweries before being acquired by Kirin-owned Lion Little World Beverages (New Belgium's parent company) in 2021. Oatsmobile is a 100% all-malt session pale ale built on a grain bill of Two-Row, Pale malt, and oats — the last ingredient being the defining element that lends the beer a body and silkiness unusual for its low ABV. It is hopped with Mosaic, Ekuanot™ (formerly known as Equinox), and Glacier hops, producing a bright, citrus-forward hop profile that balances neatly against the soft, rounded malt backbone.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: A big citrus-forward nose leads with lemon zest and grapefruit pith, while a subtle malt sweetness lurks underneath. Light grassy and herbal hints emerge as the beer warms in the glass.

Taste: The entry is smooth and malty with a toasty grain quality that quickly gives way to citrus hop flavors on the mid-palate. Lemon is fairly prominent, layered with lighter grapefruit and a touch of grassiness. The oat component keeps everything lean yet round, preventing the hops from turning sharp at just 35 IBUs.

Finish: Clean and dry with a lingering citrus note that doesn't overstay its welcome. The mouthfeel is notably silky for a sub-5% beer, a direct result of the oat addition.

How to Drink Oatsmobile

Pour into a pint glass or shaker at around 42–48°F to let the hop aromatics open up without losing the clean crispness that defines a session ale. Oatsmobile is designed for easy, extended drinking — it works well on its own over a long afternoon. For a Shandy, mix with fresh lemonade to amplify the beer's natural lemon character. In a Hop Skip & Go Naked (beer, vodka, and lemonade over ice), Oatsmobile's low ABV and citrus profile keep the drink balanced and refreshing. It also makes a surprisingly good base for a Michelada, where its clean malt and moderate bitterness hold up well against lime, hot sauce, and Clamato.

Best For

• Day drinking at cookouts or tailgates where sessionability matters
• Craft beer drinkers seeking a flavorful low-ABV option
• Building a Michigan brewery sampler pack for a gift
• Pairing with casual outdoor meals like grilled chicken or fish tacos

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Oatsmobile taste like? Oatsmobile delivers a citrus-driven profile led by lemon and grapefruit with a smooth, toasty malt backbone. The oats give it a silky mouthfeel that feels fuller than its 4.3% ABV would suggest.

How does Oatsmobile compare to Fat Head's Sunshine Daydream? Both are well-regarded session ales, but Oatsmobile uses oats in the grain bill to achieve a softer, silkier body, while Sunshine Daydream (a session IPA at 4.9% ABV) leans into a more hop-aggressive, tropical profile. Some craft beer enthusiasts have called Oatsmobile their preferred session beer over Sunshine Daydream for its balanced drinkability.

Is Oatsmobile good for beginners? Yes — at 4.3% ABV and 35 IBUs, Oatsmobile is approachable for anyone new to craft beer, with enough citrus hop flavor to be interesting without overwhelming bitterness.

Where is Oatsmobile made? Oatsmobile is brewed by Bell's Brewery in Comstock, Michigan, just outside Kalamazoo. Bell's has been producing beer since 1985 and is one of the oldest craft breweries in the Midwest.

What foods pair well with Oatsmobile? Its citrus notes and clean finish pair well with grilled shrimp or fish tacos (the lemon character complements seafood), Caesar salad (the mild bitterness works with the dressing), soft pretzels with beer cheese (the oat body echoes the grain in the pretzel), and lighter Thai dishes like green papaya salad (the low ABV and hop brightness cut through the chili heat).

What sizes does Oatsmobile come in? Bell's Oatsmobile was primarily available in 6-packs of 12 oz cans, the standard format for session ales from the brewery.

Is Oatsmobile worth the price? Oatsmobile positioned as a craft session ale at a standard six-pack price point, delivering more complexity and body than many competitors in the session category thanks to its oat-forward grain bill and premium hop selection. Given its discontinued status, remaining stock may carry added value for collectors and fans.

Why Oatsmobile?

Oatsmobile solved a persistent problem in session beer: how to keep ABV low without sacrificing body. The answer was oats. Where many session pale ales at 4.3% ABV feel thin or watery, Oatsmobile's oat-inclusive grain bill delivered a silky, full mouthfeel that earned a 9/10 in mouthfeel from Beer Connoisseur. Paired with a thoughtful hop selection — Mosaic for tropical citrus, Ekuanot for layered complexity, Glacier for balance — the beer punched well above its weight class. Now discontinued, Oatsmobile remains a benchmark for what a well-constructed session pale ale can achieve.