Review: Epic Brewing’s Fermentation without Representation Imperial Pumpkin Porter

Epic Brewing's Fermentation Without Representation Imperial Pumpkin PorterLast year I took a break and didn’t review any pumpkin beers at all.  We just moved and were still getting settled.

I also didn’t see many out and the ones we did find were duds.  Because of all of that I couldn’t muster up the energy to write about them.

This year I’m back with some new beers to talk about!

To get an idea of how this works, check out the previous reviews.

2011 Pumpkin Beer Reviews

And yes those beers are in a shaker glasses. GASP!  You’ll live. Trust.

First up this year, we are taking a look at Epic Brewing’s Fermentation without Representation Imperial Pumpkin Porter.

Say that five times fast.

Epic is a brewery that started in Utah and opened a second brewery in Denver this year.  They focus on creating strong brews and work to experiment with different flavors.  This pumpkin porter is part of their Exponential Series, which is a series of beers designed for those who are looking to expand their palates and try something different (Much like New Belgium’s Lips of Faith series).

This porter comes in the larger American Style bomber size and has an ABV of 9%.

Epic Brewing's Fermentation without Representation Imperial Pumpkin PorterSmell: 3/5 :pumpkin: :pumpkin: :pumpkin:

This definitely had an interesting aroma to it.  You get the roasted malt along with a hint of cinnamon at the end.  It is not a super spicy smelling beer which makes sense given it’s style. So no worries that it’s going to knock you over the head with pumpkin spices.  It’s subtle, just enough to let you know that maybe something else is going on with the porter.

Color: N/A

It’s a porter so it’s going to be super dark.  We can’t really judge the color on this style.

Head: 4/5 :pumpkin: :pumpkin: :pumpkin: :pumpkin:

Lovely off white head that isn’t too full.  It sticks around for a bit and does provide some nice lacing on the glass.

Taste: 4/5 :pumpkin: :pumpkin: :pumpkin: :pumpkin:

The taste was really surprising.  I admit I went into this with some skepticism because of past experiences.  Scott and I have tried some pumpkin porters and stouts and so far none of them have been that great.

This is different.  It’s still a heavy beer with a big mouthfeel but it’s also very smooth and there isn’t much of a bitter finish.  There is a hint of toasted cinnamon and then it finishes with the slightest pumpkin taste.  Enough to make you realize that this isn’t a typical porter.

The pumpkin and spice are not over powering in any way and admittedly I prefer a much more aggressive spice, which is why this didn’t get a 5 from me.

I think if this had a little bit of vanilla and stronger cinnamon it would be knockout.  However this is one of the best pumpkin porters we have tried and I would definitely have it again.

If you like porters and are looking for something a little different, give this a try and see what you think.

Ever had a pumpkin porter or stout?  What is your favorite?

 

 

One thought on “Review: Epic Brewing’s Fermentation without Representation Imperial Pumpkin Porter

  1. Bill says:

    Great review, and spot on. Epic is an awesome brewery that does some really impressive things. This beer – Imperial Pumpkin Porter – has been my favorite seasonal since they started brewing it – this is their 3rd release. I have to say that releases 1 & 2 were better… more spice, more pumpkin flavor. This release is definitely porter first and pumpkin/spice second. Still, it’s good. Southern Tier’s Warlock is one I’m really enjoying this year. The finish is a bit bitter, but still quite good. Try the Warlock and envision the smooth finish of Epic, and that’s exactly what prior releases were like.

    Mmmm, so glad fall is here! Cheers!

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