While out looking for a Halloween costume for the boy, I found myself in the same shopping center as Total Wine. So, I thought that I while I was getting something for him, I might as well get something for me. As a part of a mixed six, I picked up a couple of seasonals (Oktoberfests and Pumpkin Ales); one of those was Fisherman’s Pumpkin Stout. I am a big fan of stouts but I am not such a fan of pumpkin beers. So, while I am intrigued with a mixture of the two, I am a little unsure if the end result will be a blending of two fine beers or if this might somehow go off the rails. Anyway, the Fisherman’s Pumpkin Stout is produced by the Cape Ann Brewing Company. This award-winning, family-owned, micro-brewery is in the heart of downtown Gloucester, MA. The brewer has a large number of active beers (although sadly a number of them appear to only be available on tap at their brewpub) and is known for their flagship beer, Fisherman’s Brew (an American Amber Lager) and their Fisherman’s Ale (a Kölsch style beer).

Here is what Cape Ann has to say about their Pumpkin Stout:

Fisherman’s Pumpkin Stout is a dark stout accentuated by flavors of the Autumn season. Using real pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice, the Cape Ann Brewing Company took a fresh take at the common fall seasonal. This rich dark stout offers an inviting pumpkin spice aroma that gives way to the delicate essence of real pumpkin.

I found this beer to be…

Appearance: Black with tan, quickly dissipating foam.

Black with tan, quickly dissipating foam. Aroma: Sweet malty, with hints of allspice and nutmeg.

Sweet malty, with hints of allspice and nutmeg. Taste: Fizzy, sweet and spicy. Maybe a little flat in the flavor and short in the finish.

Fizzy, sweet and spicy. Maybe a little flat in the flavor and short in the finish. ABV: 7%

Unfortunately, the Fisherman’s Pumpkin Stout confirmed my fears. Rather than a delicious hybrid, it was more of an unbalanced and uneven blending of the two. More importantly, it confirmed my dislike of pumpkin beers.