Fisherman's Imperial Pumpkin Stout - Cape Ann Brewing Company

viaingo

Maine

4.28/5  rDev +7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Type: Pumpkin Ale/Stout
Color: Dark and creamy with light carbonation.
Body: Lightly carbonated and very thick.
Head: Brown head that was thick and tasty. Lingered for a while but did not overstay it's welcome.
Taste: Very complicated. This had every standard details of a stout, chocolate, toffee and very sweet. You can definitely taste molasses and the light fruitiness of the pumpkin. The spices were an excellent addition to the overall taste.
Aroma: Smokey, toffee and hops were very prevalent. The pumpkin smell did not shine through but you could certainly smell the spices.

I have never tried anything from Cape Ann Brewing Company before and after drinking this excellent concoction I may go back for more. This is a great beer if you are not in the mood for your standard ales but want something a bit heavier. I am looking forward to exploring more beer from this brewing company.

Serving type: bottle

11-17-2011 01:55:21 | More by viaingo

YouSkeete

Massachusetts

4.68/5  rDev +17%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A: Very dark black, tinted with an orangey hue on the edges. Short dark-tan head, practically no lacing.

S: Pumpkin, nutmeg, cinnamon, dark/bittersweet chocolate and mocha, espresso. Full, thick aromas in the nose. Nice smooth pumpkin pie spices. Hints of grapes and raisins, and even some ginger and orange peel.

T/M: Fantastic upfront blend of bittersweet chocolates, espresso, and pumpkin spice. Nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, coffee malt. All the components of a stout and a pumpkin ale are well pronounced, well presented. Follow through of the flavor ends with a sweet, tangy, candy aftertaste. Pumpkin spice and chocolate malt lingers near the end. Bitter, sweet, mildly spicy brew. Full bodied with light carbonation.

D: Very impressed with this. Found it at some hole-in-the-wall store on a visit to Newport, RI with my girlfriend. DEFINTELY should have bought more than one. Fantastic seasonal brew.

Serving type: bottle

11-12-2011 04:24:34 | More by YouSkeete

cbutova

Massachusetts

3.85/5  rDev -3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A- Pitch black with a dark mocha head. Head is about two fingers with a silky texture and retains well. Doesn't leave significant lace. Nice ring on edges.

S- Cinnamon and roasty cocoa malts. Some pumpkin, nutmeg and slight alcohol.

T- Chocolate chip brownie, roast malt and pumpkin ale mixed. Cinnamon, pumpkin, brown sugar, nutmeg, dark raisin and caramel as well.

MF- Slick oily thick body with smooth lower carbonation. Thick and dessert like.

Big stout and big pumpkin ale means a whole née dessert of it's own. Good beer all around.

Serving type: bottle

11-05-2011 01:43:22 | More by cbutova

chodinheaven

Maryland

4.25/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Feeling festive so a pumpkin stout on Halloween seems appropriate. Very deep brown in color, black for all intents and purposes. Nice sized dark khaki head on top, remiscent of coffee. Big soft notes of pumpkin, ginger and pie crust. Smells sweet and pumpkin pie like, not overbearingly however. Surprisingly not much booze in the nose at 11 percent.

Pumpkin pie sweetness hits the palate first, making for a delicious first sip. That sweetness is followed up by dark roasted malts that have a bready nature and more sweet pumpkin spice in the middle and back of the palate. Booze provides a little prickle on the tongue, but somehow manages to be barely detectable otherwise, a feat that is impressive. Ginger and pumpkin make themselves evident in every sip, something that I have not found to be the case with a lot of pumpkin beers. The sweetness and combination of a mocha-like taste from the dark roasted malts make for a well-balanced sweet stout that would be a welcome dessert substitute for pumpkin pie. The mouthfeel also plays an integral part in why this succeeds as it is smooth and creamy, yet not nearly as heavy as some imperial stouts can be. The medium body is a welcome vessel for pumpkin spices and flavors. Lingering pumpkin in the aftertaste. The booze comes out just a tad more as it warms to room temperature, but still doesn't come close to taking away from the beer.

Very enjoyable stout, complex but fun and easy to drink. Not overly sweet, but very balanced. Maybe I can find another one of these for after Thanksgiving. If not, I can't wait for next year. Happy Halloween!

Serving type: bottle

11-01-2011 03:53:53 | More by chodinheaven

Florida9

Illinois

4.03/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Very dark brown, though it appears black in the glass. Forms a beautiful, thick, dark tan head upon pouring into the glass. Good retention, but not a speck of lacing. Head eventually fades away to nothingness.

S: The sweet scent of toffee, raisins, and molasses are most prevalent, but are nicely balanced by an array of light spices: ginger, allspice, and nutmeg. There is some light pumpkin, but it is faint.

T: Taste is predominantly of sweet, dark fruits and lots of molasses. Rather complex. Some light chocolate notes, spices, nutmeg, cinnamon, raisin, brown sugar, and a little pumpkin, not enough to really standout, but just enough to make it's presence known. Quick, sweet finish. Alcohol is well hidden while cold but comes out strong as the beer warms.

M: Fairly thick and heavy with a lower carbonation level. Very mild bitterness, but the spices add a bit of a "peppery" feel to the beer.

O: Surprisingly good. I am admittedly not a pumpkin beer fan (and I question if this beer should really be listed as a pumpkin beer as it is more like a Imp Stout with pumpkin then a true "pumpkin ale"), but this one was quite impressive. Spices are used in the background to accent the beer while the pumpkin is quite subtle, but still noticeable. Nice molasses sweetness is appropriate for both a stout and a pumpkin pie. Nicely done.

Serving type: bottle

10-17-2011 00:19:03 | More by Florida9

Amalak

New York

3.4/5  rDev -15%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

This has an interesting, very intense almost celery crispness to it. The tingliness of a cold stout dominates any pumpkin flavoring. But there is some brown sugar that comes through in the back of the mouth. You have to wait for the aftertaste to get the pumpkin flavor, which is disappointing. But that odd celery taste makes it interesting.

Almost black but probably a deep dark brown/red. Limited head and lacing.

Serving type: bottle

10-15-2011 00:58:53 | More by Amalak

Hopfenpeter

Maryland

4.38/5  rDev +9.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Not being a Pumpkin ale lover, I thought to try a Pumpkin Stout for a change.
The beer poured black , with a deep tan creamy head building about two fingers high. Very attractive and inviting. The head has good retention, but leaves no lacing.
Smelling the beer, spice, nutmeg and cinnamon are dominant. Coffee, dark chcolate and dark fruit are also present.
Tasting the beer the flavors follow the nose, but a slight rum flavor is also present, exposing some of the high ABV. A very well balanced beer, which is not very rich on Pumpkin flavor, but maybe that is a plus. I really loved it and will buy another one to age it for a year! Great beer!!!

Serving type: bottle

10-14-2011 03:15:10 | More by Hopfenpeter

ms11781

Massachusetts

3.93/5  rDev -1.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

2011 on label. 22oz bottle poured into a snifter.

Pours a solid black with a thin tannish/light brown foam cap that has excellent retention. Not much in the way of lacing but the foam cap seems to push towards the edges of the glass and a thicker ring develops in addition to the cap.

Spices are the first aromas to hit in the nose, and also the most prominent. Cinnamon, allspice and some nutmeg really stand out. Some roasted malt aroma and dark chocolate are here as well. Not much pumpkin in the aroma.

The taste follows with the nose with one major exception, which is the addition of some pumpkin flavor. Nice cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice combination open up the taste, followed but the subtle pumpkin flavor. A nice underlying dark chocolate and roasty character round out each sip nicely.

The body isn't hugely full but it's more than adequate. The carbonation is light, but lively which probably contributes to the beer not feeling as full as it could.

This is a welcome change from the normal spiced brown/pale ales that are being passed off as pumpkin ales. While it doesn't have a ton of pumpkin aroma or flavor it is a pleasant beer to drink.

Serving type: bottle

10-14-2011 02:25:21 | More by ms11781

dcloeren

Texas

4.18/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Split this bomber with my buddy JR

Poured a deep black with 2 fingers of creamy cinnamon head that slowly receded to a thin film. No lacing, but thing legs.

Smells of rich chocolate, roasted malt and pumpkin spice bread.

Taste follows the nose but the spices and pumpkin are more evident. Boozy pumpkin on the back end.

Full bodied and coats thick on the tongue. I like the boozy heat on the tongue, definitely a manly fisherman brewed this one.

Overall this was a great find while I was in Mass. for work. Definitely a big beer and one of the better pumpkin beers thative had. Could probably age with the best of them... Wish would have bought two. Sad face.

Serving type: bottle

10-02-2011 02:00:27 | More by dcloeren

jondeelee

Massachusetts

4.5/5  rDev +12.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Fisherman's Imperial Pumpkin Stout--a ramped-up version of the company's regular Pumpkin Stout, with an extra 4% ABV--smells heavenly, like Thanksgiving at grandma's house when the pies are freshly out of the oven and the coffee is percolating brightly on the stove. Pumpkin is of course present in the nose, and is the primary aroma, but it's the kind of pumpkin that comes hand-kneaded with cinnamon and clove, nutmeg and allspice, and just a touch of pure vanilla bean. Just beneath that a thick layer of malts promises figs and toasted grains.

On the tongue, the beer is gloopy and thick, almost cream-like in texture, and while pumpkin is a major taste, it's not overwhelmingly so, as can happen with many beers of this type. Instead, the lovely pumpkin-and-spice flavors, which translate almost directly from the nose, are neatly countered by equally-strong malts, which bring a toasted pie crust flavor to the meal. Sugary fruit esters--fig primarily, but also pear and apple--laze playfully, joined late in the mouthful by by fresh coffee flavors that, for a moment, made me wonder whether I'd stumbled on to the beer equivalent of Willy Wonka's Three-Course Dinner Chewing Gum. The aftertaste is coffee and light pie, and lasts for a beautifully long time.

Overall, this is great seasonal brew, and even if you're the kind of person who doesn't go in for gimmicky pumpkin beer, this one is worth a try.

Serving type: bottle

08-01-2011 17:00:30 | More by jondeelee

BeerResearcher

Massachusetts

4.05/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

22 oz dark brown bottle. Freshness date not noticed.
Served in a Nonic tumbler.
It pours a ruby-hued dark chocolate color with fast-fading tannish head.
Big robust whiffs of pumpkin and roasted malt blast forward, followed by pumpkin pie nutmeg spices and a trailing resinous hop nose. A perfumy rum vapor rises through and lasts throughout. Interesting compound aromas...
The flavors are not shy! Tastes of dark rum, coffee, cocoa, pumpkin, spices and resiny hops pound away at all spaces and corners of the mouth. It's all quite good! I'm looking for some subtle tastes, and I guess a faint taste of limes and a little prune flavor may be present...though they tend to peak through, then shy away.
The body is rich and almost syrupy...nearly cloying, though maybe correct for what it is.
It's a bastard style, belonging to several mothers and fathers and maybe some distant relatives, but it will always be welcome to dwell in my cellar.

Serving type: bottle

05-30-2011 14:26:18 | More by BeerResearcher

biglite351

Pennsylvania

3.03/5  rDev -24.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

A - sliver of red around the edges. Tall creamy dark tan head.

S - plus of thanksgiving spices. Some roasted malts and cocoa.

T - tastes like someone mixed a stout into a pumpkin pie mix. Pumpkin, spice malts and mild dark chocolate.

M - Good coating but only a slight tingle on sides of tongue.

D - maybe one... but would rather have a slice of pumpkin pie and a good stout served separately.

Serving type: bottle

02-27-2011 02:49:41 | More by biglite351

ToAzwethinkweizm

Maryland

3.58/5  rDev -10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Date: 4 February 2011
Glass: Sierra Nevada XXX snifter
Type: 22fl oz bottle, vintage 2010

This is my first pumpkin stout. Served ~55ºF, poured aggressively, 2-finger head reduces to steady film, lacing is slightly runny, color is black, head is colored caramel. Aroma is faint and blocked by the hotness of alcohol. Smells of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, touch of caramel. Taste is hot, touch of super-bitter chocolate, only slight pumpkin, lots of ALCOHOL, and some roasted malts. This is a nice sipper, but there are stouts out there I'd rather like to try, such as Midnight Sun's T.R.E.A.T. Not bad though!

EDIT: Second pour had a MUCH better appearance. +1.

Serving type: bottle

02-04-2011 23:32:13 | More by ToAzwethinkweizm

Bslied

Maryland

4.05/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Drank this fresh take on an imperial stout out of a bottle. Beer poured a very dark brown with a modest head. Smell was spicy, but not overpowering like some other pumpkin beers. After the first taste I was stupified by the myriad of flavors coming across my palate. Initial there were the spices that come across, followed by a slight pumpkin taste, and ending in a roasted characteristic indicative of other good stouts.

Overall I enjoyed this beer. Too many pumpkin beers are lackluster attempts by brewers to produce a seasonal offering. This beer, through it's complexity, brings a fresh take to the pumpkin genre. The only negative comment I had was I feel that it wasn't as heavy of a mouth feel as I'm used to with other stouts.

Serving type: bottle

02-01-2011 01:09:36 | More by Bslied

jgasparine

Maryland

4.22/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

2010 Bomber Bottle, sampled on 10-31-2010

A- Poured from the head with a slightly proteinaceous and rocky medium tan head, which produced some appreciable amounts of lacing over a jet black body.

S- The aroma is comprised of some moderate allspice, cinnamon and nutmeg notes, which dominate a base of what seems to be an amalgamation of cooked pumpkin and stewed malts. Nothing jumps out as a particular hop aroma here, but it certainly smells like pumpkin pie.

T- This thing is a rollercoaster in the mouth. Starts out with a kick of the spicy notes (allspice, nutmeg and cinnamon) swirling around there with some stewed and malty notes. Midway on the palate some of the roastiness peeks through where it's met with a piney hop character. Then this hopiness and roastiness merge into a mild to moderate bitter finish, which is sustained and very dry. The bitterness lingers on the tongue quite nicely. Unfortunately, a slight metallic flavor begins to emerge in the finish as the beer warms, which takes this down to a 4.0 in the taste department.

M- Medium body with a slight creamy texture imparted by a soft carbonation. Mild to moderate astringency.

D- So tasty and so smooth, and I would have never guessed the ABV to be 11% in a million years- the EtOH is so well hidden!!

Serving type: bottle

01-13-2011 23:45:46 | More by jgasparine

msubulldog25

Oregon

4.2/5  rDev +5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A surprise box came from BanditBrewingCo a few weeks back; in it, among other goodies, was this interesting pumpkin stout (not too many of those around). On a chilly early December Sunday, it seems like as good a time as any to crack it open. Thanks Alan...

22 oz. bottle. On the neck: 'Imperial Pumpkin Stout 2010'. Nice looking label design: a yellow-clad fisherman at the helm, set against an ominous brown background, gulls circling.

Served after an hour outside the fridge, then allowed to settle well after the pour.

A: Damn near 'black', but for arcing ruby slivers in the sunlight. Starts with a good-sized pile of khaki fluff, not quite a finger, that winnows away to a yin-yang swirl. Clingy ring nestles below a jagged lace, grabbing any fragments unable to stick.

S: A pleasant aroma of allspice and nutmeg, something else sweet (maple?). It's a remarkable aroma, in so much as it's SO dominated by the spicing that really nothing of the stout beneath is allowed a chance to shine. I'll score it a '4' because I really do like the quality and strength of the not-too-sweet pie spicing, but really would have liked some more roast malt/cocoa/coffee, etc.

T: Huge chocolate at its core, cinnamon and nutmeg-sprinkled coffee running amok. Earthy dark malts and charred nuts, then a hint of woodiness; my tongue struggles to discern where that comes from. Hints of vanilla and the tangy starchiness of the featured gourd. Overall, a really good imperial stout, with the added benefit of some well-played seasonal spices. Excellent lasting flavor.

M: A gum-tingling spicing and medium coating (gradually thickening as it warms, and after several seconds in the mouth following each sip). Feel is generally creamy, beyond some initial prickly buoyancy. Alcohol is a bit too noticeable, but is hardly a deterrent. Just about everything an imperial stout should be.

D: Surprisingly drinkable for such a hefty stout, due mostly to the carefully doled out spicing and a not-so-brutal bitterness. A warming sipper that passes the time well on a lazy Sunday spent partially tuned to the miserable Seahawks-Panthers affair. I'd be glad to have this one again. The beer, that is, not the ballgame...

Serving type: bottle

12-05-2010 21:47:34 | More by msubulldog25

Arbitrator

California

4.18/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Chilled bomber into a glass. Shared once by alfrantzell and sent to me again as a generous extra by portia99. Thanks! From notes.

A: Pours a near midnight black with lighter elements when held up to the light. The edge has just some small light penetration, revealing ruby highlights. The head is a fluffy affair of coffee-colored bubbles that retain well and continue to leave a nice cap on the brew during the drink.

S: Cinnamon, nutmeg, toffee, chocolate, and some coffee. While it's not as in-your-face as TREAT, that is the first comparison that comes to mind; the combination of spices, chocolate, and coffee is definitely up that beer's alley. The Fisherman's doesn't blow it out of the water, but it's in the same conversation.

T: Cinnamon and nutmeg are prominent, but not overpowering. They work very well with the toffee. These three flavors float on top of the chocolate and coffee flavors. As it warms, the spices become stronger and a breadiness emerges; it's almost like pumpkin bread with cocoa nibs and toffee bits. Delicious.

M: Not much bitterness to the beer, but the sweeter flavors are balanced by coffee. The beer is medium-bodied and creamy. It has a slight warming effect. It falls off the palate a little fast, which is usually a big fault, but here it enhances drinkability. Not much oiliness or coating or slickness to worry about in repeat sips.

D: I'd love to have this again.

Serving type: bottle

12-05-2010 20:45:43 | More by Arbitrator

Brewnami

Texas

4.08/5  rDev +2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

I honestly only bought this to meet the credit card minimum at the package store, but it was definitely a good grab. I didn't even really look to see what it was. All I saw was imperial and pumpkin and that was good enough.

This beer pours very dark, almost black with a light brown fluffy head. Very typical stout smell, maybe on the sweeter side. I've been really into stouts and porters lately and this one if very good. In my opinion, this feels a little more carbonated than most stouts. At 11% ABV, the alcohol is hidden very well by sweet malts, molases, and a bitter finish.

Being the middle of November, this may be tough to find right now, but just over $5 for a big bottle of this is more than worth it and will be enjoyed by any stout fan.

Serving type: bottle

11-18-2010 00:43:39 | More by Brewnami

savagewhisky

Virginia

4.55/5  rDev +13.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Poured like frothed chocolate with a one finger, almond colored head. Smelled strongly of spices used in pumpkin pie such as cloves and nutmeg.

The taste was less like pumpkin but a rich stout with a good balance of toasted malts and mild bitterness on the back end.

Almost too drinkable.

A lovely stout.

Serving type: bottle

11-13-2010 00:00:38 | More by savagewhisky

HopNuggets

Connecticut

4.25/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured bomber into a snifter at cellar temp.

A - Poured a midnight black that you can't see through at any point. Solid 2.5 finger coffee color head that dissipated slowly to a 1/2 - 1 finger head that stuck around to leave a nice lacing down the glass.

S - Much more pumpkin spice scent to this brew over their regular pumpkin stout as well as a toffee note.

T - Nice pumpkin pie filling with cinnamon and nutmeg followed by the bitter coffee aftertaste that sticks around.

M - Nicely carbonated medium body that leave a slight coating on the palate with a hint of alcohol heat.

D - Quite drinkable for the high ABV. I have no issue finishing this bomber solo.

Serving type: bottle

11-07-2010 18:36:45 | More by HopNuggets

stonermouse

Massachusetts

4.08/5  rDev +2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

From a bomber into a Sam Adams glass.

Pours a deep brown, nearly black, as expected. Head is tan and dense, but dissapates quickly into a consistent film at the top.

Smell is malt-forward and potent. A little sweet- very nice.

Flavor is really nice. It has a fairly standard malty stout flavor, but not much bitterness. The spices are quite subdued, and come out heavier as the beer warms. For the greatest amount of complexity, let this one warm for a half-hour or more prior to pouring.

Mouthfeel is excellent, and the flavors are dense and come and go quickly.

Drinkability is very good. The flavor is subtle yet complex, and doesn't overwhelm the palette. I'd love to age one of these for a year or so, but I couldn't keep myself from drinking this perfect seasonal brew.

Serving type: bottle

11-07-2010 17:41:01 | More by stonermouse

claspada

New Jersey

3.9/5  rDev -2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Aroma is of dark roated malt with notes of pumpkin, cinnamon and nutmeg and some cocoa.

The taste is mainly roastiness with hints of spice; which is nice because I often find that pumpkin beers have too much overpowering spices which detract from the beer. Pumpkin is the underlying flavor, with just a bit of nutmeg coming through to blend perfectly with the cocoa/roaasted grains. Like a pumpkin chocolate cake because of the malty/bready qualities.

The mouthfeel is extremley medium bodied, which I was happy to see because the regular version is very thin and I was expecting heavy because of the "imperial" tag but this is very pleasantly in the middle. Nice, light carbonation. Roasted flavor lingers on the palate, perfect.

Overall I am very impressed by this beer considering how much I enjoyed the original. If this is 11% alcohol I am a cow. Soo apparently, "MOOOO!"

Serving type: on-tap

11-05-2010 00:35:41 | More by claspada

sisuspeed

New Hampshire

3.7/5  rDev -7.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Nice and black with a fairly substantial light tan head. Good staying power on the head and a decent amount of lacing. Looks pretty good, just wish the head was a bit darker looking.

Dark, roasty stout notes mixed with some bittersweet chocolate and a bit of pumpkin on the nose. Light spice, possibly nutmeg. Definitely getting more pumpkin pie notes as this warms up. Hint of alcohol.

Dark chocolate, well roasted malts and a good helping of pumpkin on the tongue. Spices are still light. Mostly pumpkin and stout. Pretty straight forward, but good for the style. However, there a slightly odd aftertaste at times that is hard to define. Almost like a natural sugar substitute.

Mouthfeel is smooth with light carbonation. Almost creamy. Nice warming alcohol. Good body, but could be a little thicker for an imperial stout.

Drinkability is quite good for a pumpkin beer. I think I might even enjoy this one a bit more than their regular offering, even though both are quite good. Definitely let this one warm up as you drink it, so that more of the pumpkin flavor comes out. I don't know if I would seek this one out, but if you like pumpkin brews and this one is near you, then I would pick one up.

Serving type: bottle

11-03-2010 00:13:47 | More by sisuspeed

batty

Massachusetts

3.7/5  rDev -7.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

bought and drank cambridge, ma, Oct 2010.

pours an incredibly dark, dark brown, looks black in the glass. dark tan-khaki head (cappuccino), small bubbles. pretty good lace

smells a bit non-descript, slight roasty malt, just a touch of pumpkin and ever-so-slight spice.

taste is interesting, probably would be better with a bit more age on it. incredibly smooth, with what i'm guessing is oats, good roast and decent amount of dark chocolate on the back end. Touch of pumpkin and spice in the middle, but only really if you're looking for it - definitely not a stand out.

mouthfeel is silky smooth, oatmeal, non thin, but disappears incredibly quickly.

drinkability is pretty good, feels like a bit much for me right now - but alcohol is very well hidden, and overall a pretty well-balanced beer.

Serving type: bottle

10-31-2010 02:45:47 | More by batty

billab914

Virginia

3.68/5  rDev -8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 22oz bottle into my Dogfish snifter. It poured black in color with a foamy tan head filling the top inch of the glass. The head faded only to cling to the edges and sides of the glass as it did.

The aroma shows a sweetness to it that's somewhat similar to a milk stout. It has more of a milk chocolaty flavor to it with a very modest spicy and roasted profile. The pumpkin does come though just a bit with some nice flavors.

The taste also has a milk chocolaty, somewhat sweet flavor to it. Towards the finish more of the pumpkin pie spice flavor starts to come through. The spice definitely lingers for a while along with a bit of the sweetness. A little bitter and very slightly burnt bitterness is there and helps balance out the sweetness some. Could have had just a little less spice for my tastes though.

The mouthfeel is on the heavier side with carbonation being moderate. Drinkability is pretty decent, the flavors went together pretty well and the pumpkin came out a bit. It relied a little bit too much on the pumpkin spice maybe but it wasn't too bad. A cool and pretty good punpkin beer, you don't see enough pumpkin stouts in my opinion.

Serving type: bottle

10-31-2010 01:44:57 | More by billab914