Bierista Pastry Stout Pumpkin Spice Latte
Brasserie Artisanale Lagabière - Broue Pub

A- First, I love the artwork on the label of the can....so modern....so bold...so colorful! The brew itself is a very dark brown, almost black coloration, that has an appearance in body similar to motor oil. The head is tan in coloration, starting out about one finger in thickness before settling down to a topper that half covers the liquid in a ring/patchwork of fine tight bubbles over the liquid. Lacing is also modest, with a watery patchy film attempting to cover the inside of the glass before sliding back down into the abyss....overall a decent, if not unassuming stout type brew!

S- Deep dark pumpkin gourd aromas, with baking spice throughout....primarily nutmeg, clove and cinnamon. There is also some heavy cream richness, black coffee, and dark chocolate sweetness, vanilla cream, some pumpkin spice cookie batter, Fall inspired spiced coffee cream, sweet cream pie crust and a finish that is slightly of charred Earth and muted bitterness

T- The flavors follow suit to the aromas rather well, with smooth rich and deep sweet pumpkin pie filling, fresh dairy cream with some vanilla bean added and whipped, some medium roast coffee, French pressed, spiced chocolate creme filling, various baking spices of cinnamon, clove and nutmeg, some spiced rum booziness, but with more vanilla than the usual (think The Lash), dark toasty nuttiness, roasted chocolate malts and a finish that is slightly charred, and surprisingly clean!

M/O- I have to say that for a 10.2% alcohol/vol brew, the booze is exceptionally well hidden, almost to the point of not being noticed, except for a slightly rummy character about it. The mouthfeel is very smooth, both in body and in carbonation....it is a heavy beer, but not to the point that one cannot enjoy a full can of this in one sitting...it is simply a sipping brew. With this said, it is very flavorful, and as it warms, the taste becomes even more intense, yet remains succulent. Could pair well with a pumpkin pie or with a heavier Fall/Winter type meal (stew, beef barley soup) and would provide a proper dessert flavor to keep things balanced. Hope this brewery makes it again, and a fine first brew to try from them! Cheers!