The arrival of autumn means a lot of things for craft beer lovers in North America. Oktoberfestbiers and Märzens, fresh hopped brews, and of course, a particular favorite of ours, pumpkin beers. On Monday October 22, 2012, Brewpublic is teaming up with the Green Dragon Pub in Portland, OR for the return of KillerPumpkinFest, Oregon’s largest pumpkin beer festival. As the date grows closer, we anticipate the various base styles that will represent this gourd-eous fruit beer category. A particular highlight, unquestionably, will be Oakshire Brewing‘s Big Jack Imperial Chocolate Pumpkin Porter.This spiced cocoa-infused pumpkin ale represents the latest from the Eugene brewhouse’s Single Batch Series, headed by Brewmaster Matt Van Wyk and founding brewer Jeff Althouse. Here’s the full details from Oakshire:
Pumpkins have been part of America’s brewing tradition since Colonial days, when pumpkin-brewed beers would have accompanied seasonal fall foods. Oakshire continues this long-time American tradition with their second release of award-winning Big Black Jack Imperial Chocolate Pumpkin Porter.
“Big Black Jack gives people a rich, warming beer that brings to mind the pleasures and foods of autumn,” explains Matt Van Wyk, Brewmaster at Oakshire Brewing, Eugene, OR. “We recommend pairing it with seasonal favorite foods such as spicy Indian and Mexican dishes, molé, smoked goose, buttery aged cheddar, Irish cheeses, Gouda cheese, chocolate and peanut butter cookies, toasted coconut, pumpkin tarts and chocolate soufflés.”
Part of Oakshire’s Single-Batch Beer Series, Big Black Jack became a fall favorite when it was originally released in 2011. The Imperial Porter also gained industry recognition, when it won the 2012 North American Brewing Awards Gold Medal for Hybrid Beers.
Brewers used a patent-pending technique to roast farm-fresh pumpkins from Winter Green Farm in Noti and Stahlbush Island Farms in Corvallis. Big Black Jack has been brewed with other ingredients that evoke fall: toasted pumpkin seeds, cocoa nibs, dark chocolate, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, allspice and ginger. The end result is a rich, dark brown Imperial porter with aromas of classic pumpkin pie spices that meld with dark cocoa notes. This malt-forward ale begins with flavors of cinnamon and chocolate, highlighted by toasty and chocolate flavors from specialty malts. This medium-bodied beer is a warming autumn delight at 7.5% ABV.
Beginning Oct. 1, 2012, Big Black Jack will be available for a limited time on draft and in 22-oz. bottles throughout Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Northern Idaho.
About Oakshire Brewing: Craftsmanship Defined
Oakshire Brewing Company of Eugene, OR, was founded in October 2006 by Native Oregonian brothers Jeff and Chris Althouse. With the goals of brewing the highest quality artisan beer and providing the highest level of service to their customers, Oakshire has become recognized for consistently brewing fresh, unique and delicious beers in relatively small batches. The brewery is located at 1055 Madera Street, Eugene, OR. Learn more about Oakshire, our Eugene-brewed craft beers, brewery events andtours/tastings athttp://oakbrew.com
About The Author
Angelo
Angelo grew up in Maine and is proud to call New England his original home. Cascadia is now his home. He fell in love with great beer in Oregon, Washington, and Northern California.
He has been a correspondent for the Portland Tribune's Guest on Tap column, LivePDX.com, and has been featured in publications such as Beer Northwest and PDX Magazine. Angelo also has a great interest in independent music, and has been a booker and organizer for shows around the Portland under the name Pop Tomorrow! Angelo garnered much knowledge regarding beer from his experiences homebrewing, working at Belmont Station, Pyramid Brewing, Upright Brewing, By the Bottle, Beer Revolution, Olde Depot Public House, Falling Sky Brewing, Cascade Brewing, and from many many knowledgeable, passionate, and loving people along the way. It is Angelo's mission to bring "infotainment" and "edumation" to the readers of this website. If you have any questions or comments, or would like to contribute, please contact me at angelo@brewpublic.com
Today, I went to the beach with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave
it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed
the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside
and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is
completely off topic but I had to tell someone!