Alaskan Brewing releases first ever fall seasonal

Last year, Craft Brewing Business asked if Labor Day was too soon to release fall/pumpkin beers. This year, we’re learning to stop worrying and love the beer, but we are asking, “Are there pumpkins in Alaska?” The answer, as Alaskan Brewing Co. shows with its first fall release — Alaskan Pumpkin Porter — is yes! In fact, the long daylight hours in the summer makes Alaska home to some of the world’s largest pumpkins. Making the  Alaskan Pumpkin Porter even more special. Introduced as a Pilot Series last year, response was so strong that a seasonal slot was a natural next step.

“We’ve been known for our Smoked Porter for years, so we built on that foundation to give a unique perspective on a pumpkin beer,” said Alaskan brewer Brent Kesey. “We wanted to give that great pumpkin pie flavor but not go overboard on sweetness, and that’s where the smoky flavor comes in.”

A native plant of North America, pumpkins were first used in beer in colonial America as a substitute for hard-to-find malt, and none other than the father of our country George Washington had a highly touted recipe, according to the brewery.

By using some of Alaskan’s famous alder wood-smoked malt in the brew, this pumpkin ale avoids a cloying taste and instead leaves a clean, slightly smoky aftertaste. The resulting robust, full-bodied porter also has a, frankly, crazy amount of pumpkin — over 11 pounds per barrel.

The pumpkin creates a smooth richness that provides some comfort while the Alaskan nights grow longer and colder. In addition to the pumpkin and smoked malt, brown sugar and holiday spices are added to create an aroma and flavor reminiscent of grandma’s pumpkin pie.

Alaskan Brewing’s take on this American tradition will be available through October of this year. It will be available in 12-ounce bottles and on draft in the 17 states where the brewery now distributes.