Black O' Lantern
Utah Brewers Cooperative

Pours black with a strong, three finger head. Aroma is roasted malt, caramel and pumpkin. Mouthfeel is moderate with a taste of roasted malt, cardamom and bitter chocolate. The tasting is all at the back of the tongue. Carbonation is low, with very slight creaminess. The overall effect is more pumpkin, less stout.

Appearance: Pours a very dark amber, showing slight ruby highlights before a strong light. The cream-colored head is massive, a with superb retention. Lacing in a patten resembling Swiss cheese decorates the glass wall.

Aroma: The aroma yields dark roasted malt, cold coffee, bitter coca, mild smoke, hints of molasses and restrained pumpkin spices. Among pumpkin beers I have tried, the aroma is more subtle than "over the top".

Taste: On tasting, a surge of roasted malt appears, followed by mild pumpkin spices. Soon after, cold coffee and bitter cocoa ascend. Later in the taste, there is an earthy and smoky flavor, which segues to wood, this last drawing the finish to a quite dry close.

Mouth feel: Rich and full, very soft, with slight, gentle carbonation.

Drinkability/notes: A perfect example for a dark and cool Autumn day. Far from being a 'pumpkin pie beer", but still very appropriate to the season.

Presentation: Packaged in a standard twelve-ounce aluminum can, served in a La Fin du Monde tulip, at The Lake House.

In the realm of flavored beers, I tend to be a skeptic. Especially when it comes to seasonal novelties like pumpkin spice, which often feel like a gimmick rather than a genuine enhancement of the brew. However, this particular porter caught me by surprise, challenging my predispositions.

At first pour, the beer boasts a robust head, which is an excellent sign for a porter. It's thick and creamy, leaving an inviting lacing on the glass as it dissipates. The head indicates a well-crafted brew and promises a good mouthfeel—something that this porter delivers on.

Flavor-wise, the balance is impeccable. I braced myself for an overpowering gourd onslaught but was pleasantly surprised. The pumpkin spice is present but subdued, merging harmoniously with the natural roasted malt and chocolate undertones typical of a porter. It's a complex interplay, creating a flavor profile that even a "beer-flavored beer" purist like myself can appreciate.

Rather than detracting from the experience, the pumpkin spice accentuates the inherent qualities of the porter. It offers a warm, spicy note that complements the depth of the beer, making it an enjoyable sipper for a cool autumn evening.

So, for those wary of venturing into flavored beer territory, this porter serves as a gentle and rewarding introduction. It deftly straddles the line between traditional beer craftsmanship and creative flavor infusion, proving that sometimes, breaking from your comfort zone can be a rewarding experience.

 

Can pour; nothing unusual about the look, but the nose has a lot of inviting spice notes. Flavors are not as potent as the nose, but it generally finishes with a yammy note that's acceptable.

 

Jet black with a medium mocha colored head.

Smell is mild. Flavorful but lean. Very easy to drink.

 

I do love pumpkin beers, Halloween, and the fact this beer is 6.66% ABV (nice touch!).

The beer lives up to my already high expectations in every way, and offers a bit of surprise too.

It's more dark and stouty than almost all other pumpkins, but has a nice spiciness. This is very good, as sometimes pumpkins can be too sweet. I want a beer, not a slice of pie. Not here. This one is quite dry.

Individualistic and different without apology, refusing to bow to tyranny, fighting against injustice, all good wholesome Halloween values. Hail Satan!

As the opening salvo of pumpkin beer season this year, not even being September, I feel like this weighed into the realm of adequacy just ever so gently sticking its toe into the land of superiority