Beer Review: Alvarado St. Nightmare On Alvarado Pumpkin Porter
Style: Pumpkin Porter (Spice/Vegetable Beer)
ABV: 7.0%
IBU: Not listed (likely low to moderate)
Brewery: Alvarado Street Brewery (Monterey, CA)
“Pumpkin Porter brewed with Cinnamon, Brown Sugar, Spices & NO ACTUAL PUMPKIN”
Appearance: Pours a very dark brown, almost black, with deep ruby highlights visible when held to the light. A frothy, tan-colored head forms upon pouring, settling into a persistent ring around the glass and leaving some lacing. It looks like a classic porter, dark and inviting, perfect for a crisp autumn evening.
Aroma: The aroma is a delightful embrace of autumnal spices and rich malt. Cinnamon is prominent, but well-integrated, not overpowering. It’s backed by notes of brown sugar, nutmeg, and perhaps a touch of clove and allspice, creating a classic “pumpkin pie spice” bouquet. Underneath these spices, a robust porter base emerges with hints of roasted malt, dark chocolate, and a subtle, coffee-like roastiness. The fact that it achieves this without an actual pumpkin is impressive.
Taste: The flavor truly delivers on the promise of the aroma, a warming and spiced porter experience. It starts with a rich sweetness from the brown sugar and malts, quickly followed by a harmonious blend of cinnamon and other baking spices. The spices are noticeable but balanced, lending a festive character without tasting like a potpourri explosion. The porter base provides a solid foundation of roasted barley, dark chocolate, and a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness from the brown sugar and spices. There’s a subtle, earthy, or slightly woody note, perhaps from the unique spice blend, that adds complexity. It finishes relatively dry for a spiced beer, with a lingering warmth from the ABV and spices.
Mouthfeel: Medium to full-bodied with a smooth, velvety texture. The carbonation is moderate, providing a pleasant effervescence without being overly fizzy. It’s warming, thanks to the 7.0% ABV and the spices, making it a comforting sipper. The finish is clean, leaving a pleasant spice linger without any stickiness.
Alvarado Street’s Nightmare On Alvarado Pumpkin Porter is an excellent seasonal brew, especially for those who appreciate the flavors of fall spices but aren’t necessarily looking for actual pumpkin in their beer. The brewery’s transparency about “NO ACTUAL PUMPKIN” is admirable, and they’ve proven that the essence of pumpkin pie can be captured beautifully through a clever blend of spices and a robust porter base. It’s complex, warming, and well-balanced, making it a fantastic choice for Halloween parties, bonfires, or simply enjoying the autumn season. If you enjoy spiced porters or well-crafted fall beers, this is a must-try.