Gourd Vibrations
Gate City Brewing Co.

 

A mildly aggressive pour into a shaker yielded a 1.5” finger tan head that dwindled to a skiff/ring after less than two minutes. Initial lacing was fair and left some weak sip rings, but they washed down quickly.
At first it seemed a little too dark for a porter and was approaching Stout black. But when held to the light I could glimpse a bit of deep garnet at the edges, which I don’t think would be present in a good black Stout.

Milk chocolate and roasted malt on the nose with a bit of coffee. IMO spices are very much an afterthought. I didn’t get anything I’d refer to as pumpkin spices in the aroma.
Taste follows the nose with chocolate and roast. It has a comforting warmth to the belly from the 7.8% ABV, which was nowhere near overbearing.
Zero rising bubbles in the glass. A pleasing carbonation is felt at the back of the throat.

I wouldn’t recommend it if looking for some sort of pumpkin ale, or something with ‘fall spices’ in it, but I would recommend it you’re in the mood for a tasty Chocolate Porter.

I'll add that this was my first experience with ANY pumpkin beer. And that's too bad, because this was underwhelming in the spice department.

Tasted like a coffee stout. Didn't taste of fall at all. Wouldn't try again that's for sure, but at least the % had me nice and buzzed for my glass!

Pumpkin a little too muted compared to the cocoa and nut flavors. Solid fall beer though.

 

 

Yummy! It's a bit boozy but you don't taste it. Lot of chocolate, pumpkin, coffee, and spice notes, without one overpowering the other. Very well balanced.