Summit brewer talks about new Unchained #5: Imperial Pumpkin Porter

Imperial Pumpkin Porter

Summit Brewing Company recently released the fifth beer in their limited-availability Unchained Series, Imperial Pumpkin Porter. One of several Summit brewers, Nate Siats, is the mastermind behind the fall edition of the popular series. With a rich scent of chocolate and undertones of spice, the pumpkin works well in this beer--it is somehow not cloying or overpowering. The sweet richness of the chocolate really mellows the blend and allows the flavors to blend seamlessly in the lovely mahogany ale with a light foamy head.

Imperial Pumpkin Porter is now being offered in draught at several area bars, including the Happy Gnome, Stub & Herb's, and Stella's Fish Cafe. The bottles will at liquor stores in mid-November.The Hot Dish spoke with Siats to learn more about his new creation.

Tell us a bit about the flavors of this beer and what went into making it.
Since this is a porter, it is dark, thick, and full-bodied, with lots of chocolate malt. The ingredients include pumpkin mash, Sweet China cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ginger powder, and cloves. We used organic pumpkin to make the mash. The mash itself was the largest Summit has ever done.

How much did you make?
We did four batches. One batch is 170 barrels.

What other cool brews are coming up?
We have seven brewers, and we rotate for the Unchained series, so I won't be doing one again for a little while. But the next one, #6, will be released right before St. Patty's Day. Not yet sure what they will be.

What should you eat it with this beer?
Chocolate is really good, and so is pumpkin muffins or bread. I just had it with M&Ms, which really made the chocolate notes in the beer pop. It is also really good by itself.