Do they grow pumpkins in Alaska? I’m sure I don't know. Luckily, I don’t have to, and thanks to the magic of Bing it seems that they do indeed grow pumpkins in Alaska, and some pretty big ones at that. They also grow barley, but don’t seem to do so well with hops. So, it looks like the Alaska Brewing Company has at least two of the three main ingredients (three of four if you count water) to make their Alaskan Pumpkin Porter.

Alaskan Brewing does not sell its beers in Georgia, and they didn’t sell them in Rhode Island when I lived there, either. This Juneau based brewer sells their beer mainly on the west coast and in the Midwest and Southwest. Texas is as close as they come to Georgia right now, but our own Dale Roberts was kind enough to supply me with a bottle of their tasty Pumpkin Porter. Dale says this runs $8.99 a six-pack in Colorado.

Alaskan Pumpkin Porter is only the third Alaskan Brewing beer I’ve ever tried. I’ve enjoyed their Amber Ale one and the legendary Alaskan Smoked Porter several times. The first time was back in Rhode Island, when the Red Rooster and I ordered a case from Belmont Station for somewhere around $100. It was worth it.

From the website:

Alaskan Pumpkin Porter is made from our glacier-fed water and a blend of Magnum and Goldings hops, 6 different malts including Alaskan alder-smoked malt, brown sugar, and a spice blend including cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Plus, of course, a ton of pumpkin.

Alaskan Pumpkin Porter has an alcohol content of 7% by volume with 25 IBUs.

Alaskan Pumpkin Porter pours to a jet black color with a thick creamy tan head and a roasty licorice nose laced with hints of nutmeg spice. Taking a sip, I get the porter notes, and in a big way. Subtle roasty notes are accented wonderfully by big rich chewy licorice notes, and that's what sets this one apart from the pack. The vegetal pumpkin, sweet brown sugar, molasses and light spice of cinnamon and nutmeg show up towards the finish, and they're light and dry and not as overpowering as in many pumpkin beers. But that again makes this one a little special. The finish is dry with spice (the clove shows up more so here I think) and more licorice. Just a hint of phenolic smoke appears at the last as well.

In many ways, the base beer here reminded me of the Smoked Porter sans the smoke. If you like a more subtly spiced pumpkin beer that still allows some gourd to come through and adds an additional element (licorice), this might be the one for you. I know I loved it, and I'm betting if you try it, you will too. Not to be missed.

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box .

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.

(B)=Bottled

(D)=Draft

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