OK, dear readers, I would like to be able to tell you how prescient I am, and that I, foreseeing the Great Pumpkin Famine of 2015 might lead to a dearth of pumpkin ales in 2016, hoarded a bottle of Brothers Five Pound Fall Ale as a contingency against a calamitous pumpkin beer shortage. That I kept it in a case with a hammer alongside and a note reading “Break Glass in Case of Pumpkin Ale Shortage”. Said case stored in a secret closet bearing a sign warning “Beware of the Leopard.” Alas, none of these things are true.
Instead, after Jefferson Evans brought me this beer last Thanksgiving I socked it away in one of my beer fridges and, well, just got around to drinking it here in in the middle of August. After imbibing an Oktoberfest beer no less. Sue me!
From the label:
For 2015 we’ve decided to do something a little different for our community-sourced seasonal. Once again, dozens of locals brought five-pound, or more, of hand-roasted pumpkin to the brewery, but this time we’ve added it to a rich, malty porter. Thanks to everyone who helped out with this ultra local, farm fresh, artisan porter. We couldn’t have done it without you!
Brothers Five Pound Fall Ale has an alcohol content of 5.3% by volume and is part of the brewery’s “Endeavors” series. It is, of course, a seasonal brew. The sticker on the bottle tells me this beer runs $9.99 a bomber, about average these days methinks.
Brothers Five Pound Fall Ale pours to a dark brownish black color with a thick creamy tan head and a robust nose of dark roasted malt and molasses. Taking a sip, I get a wonderful light chocolatey porter with roast, brown sugar and hints of licorice as well as vegetal squashy pumpkin notes. The beer finishes dry roasty and delicious, though not spicy.
What a wonderful beer and a great way to kick off the impending fall beer season. I really love the fresh pumpkin notes poking through the luscious roasty, creamy porter. It’s held up nicely over the year as well. I am impressed, and hope to see this beer on the shelves here in Georgia, too.
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