Starr Hill Boxcarr Pumpkin Porter

Finally, it’s fall. Seems the pumpkin beers come out earlier and earlier each year as the seasons begin to blur. Perhaps we’re more sensitive to the fall seasonal lineup as deep down we’re not ready to give up summer. Summer slips away though as the leaves change, football begins and before we know it, the sun will be setting before 6pm – hello winter.

Today is a good day though as I sit outside with the ceiling fan going, wafts of pecan smoke from the smoker and the UL Monroe/Georgia game on. I could get used to this. As it’s past September 1st it is now socially acceptable to crack a pumpkin beer or two and crack one I have. Up on deck is a beer from Starr Hill called Boxcarr Pumpkin Porter. According to Starr Hill this is a traditional English-style Brown Porter with pumpkin added to the mash. Light spicing allows the subtle flavors of pumpkin and roasty porter to shine through. 

This beer pours just like I’d expect a porter to do so, a little bit of head, dark with amber hues around the edges. On the nose I get spice, nutmeg, reminds me of Thanksgiving and pumpkin pie. On the tongue, this beer is a mouthful, spice, pumpkin but more porter than anything else. Very enjoyable and at 4.7% ABV this could be labeled “sessionable.”

Final snobs: Great beer for fall and true to the style. I’ve enjoyed this beer and if you’re game for pumpkin beers, you’ll probably dig it as well. Keep an eye out as we should be seeing this in our neck of the woods if it isn’t already here.

Cheers!