Fisherman’s Imperial Pumpkin Stout

During an Alpine retreat in December, I met with an old friend who brought over two lovely bottles from the US for me. Do I have great friends, or what?

Tonight seemed a good night to open up one of them, Fisherman’s Imperial Pumpkin Stout from the Cape Ann Brewing Company in Massachusetts, because Fiona has baked a pumpkin pie. Do I have a great wife, or what?

This stuff takes stout to extremes. I didn’t so much pour it out of the bottle as coax and convince it out, like ketchup. It’s the colour of old motor oil, and it’s going to take a while to drink it. Maybe a week or so.

But it’s time well spent. The taste is excellent, with a milkshake mouthfeel, and on top of the burnt malts, notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. Bitter dark chocolate also plays a leading role.

Now, I’ve absolutely no idea what pumpkin is doing in this beer, but I can honestly say this drink goes well with pumpkin pie.