
1 ratings
2023 Pumpkinator Aged in Bourbon Barrels
12.8% Imperial Stout
Pumpkin Imperial Stout age 13 months in Woodford bourbon barrels
Barrel aged

Reviews

Edgeworth
@ Ray's Cave1 year ago

5.0
Well! Where do I start with this Duo beer? Ryan and I have shared this beer each year it comes out. I go back and look at my past reviews starting in 2019 and realize how much I've evolved. Starting out not really enjoying this series but over the years I've come to appreciate how much effort it takes to make this classic beer. 2022 hit the 5.0 and I hope this 2023 does the same.
So much is the same but still different. Isn't that great? The winter spice is there but now the ginger and cinnamon are stronger, not as much nutmeg. While still cold, the alcohol still appears late, towards the middle and then the finish. It's texture is still heavy and silky smooth. This is consistent with past years and I love it. The pumpkin flavor is there but it's almost an accompanying flavor instead of a dominant flavor. Again, the flavor is lasting and has a cocoa powdery chocolate that I don't remember being so forward. As it warms, as always, the bourbon alcohol becomes much more apparent, along with the barrel aging.
I don't have many opportunities to try a beer that is produced as a yearly series, the same but always different. I get to experience not only the beer evolving but my own evolving palate. Last year's was 12.6% and this year's is 12.8%. Small changes in a carefully brewed masterpiece. This is an example of art in brewing. Some brew beer for money and there's a special few that it's an art. I truly love Saint Arnold Brewery. Again, a strong 5.0.