Coaster Critique: Black Bear Long Pumpkin Stout

Name: Long Pumpkin Stout   LP

Brewed By: Black Bear Brewery

Style: Pumpkin Stout

ABV: 7%

 

Long Pumpkin Stout is deep black in color, no light breaks through, carbonation appears to be light, head is thin and khaki colored.

Picking up some chocolate, maybe caramel notes in the nose, cinnamon and nutmeg are noticeable but not overly strong and there is a subtle earthiness in there as well.

The initial sip is malt forward, I’m getting a little bit of chocolate and roasty notes followed by a toffee sweetness. Spices show up quickly, cinnamon, nutmeg and a touch of ginger, about what you’d expect from a pumpkin beer but not to the point of overwhelming. The pumpkin seems to add a bit of earthy, slightly vegetal flavor but really shines in the texture, creating a full bodied beer with a silky smooth mouthfeel. Finish is slightly sweet with a lingering note of spice.

I’m on the fence with pumpkin beers, I’m not a fan of the style but I don’t hate it either. Long Pumpkin Stout lands right in the middle for me, I’m not in love with the beer but it’s pretty damn tasty, the stout itself is solid, the pumpkin’s contribution to mouthfeel are perfect, and the spices, which are always my hang-up in this style are prominent but not throwing things way out of balance, I’d prefer less (read none) but that’s personal preference. I give this beer an extra thumbs up for coming out in October, a seasonal truly in season.

Cheers!

Chaddah
Note of Interest: The pumpkins used in this beer were locally grown by Peacemeal Farms of Dixmont, Maine. Prior to be being tossed in the Mash they were roasted in the brick ovens at the Bear Brew Pub in Orono right near the brewery.

Chad Lothian

About Chad Lothian

Chad Lothian lives in Old Town, Maine. He is a craft beer enthusiast and homebrewer. Chad has travelled to brewpubs, breweries and brewfests all over New England.