ABV: 8.5%

The pumpkin beer debate this year was heated: “August is too early!”, “It’s not real pumpkin!”, “So much nutmeg!” Here at PorchDrinking, we had a group discussion on the matter and our fearless leader covered the matter at length here. So, I think it’s fair to say that 4 Hands Brewing’s Ill Repute Pumpkin Porter was a regular revolution in a bottle. Why? Because it was released the day before Halloween. GASP! An imperial pumpkin porter hitting stores in time for the biggest celebration of pumpkins of the year? Well played indeed.

Brewed with pumpkin, nutmeg, vanilla and cinnamon makes it a regular shoe-in for my tastebuds. Though some of the yam beers I’ve had this year overdo it on the spice or underdo it on the pumpkin, Ill Repute strikes a nice balance. Taking a big whiff post pour gave me aromas of chocolate and vanilla. I botched the pour and was left with a lame head but the taste was really very subtle in the pumpkin department. Just enough to know this is a Halloween beer. Creamy with low bitterness contributed to an all around good beer.

Google says ill repute is “the state of being held in low esteem by the public”. Based on the frothing masses practically begging the Twitterverse for details on scoring this brew, it’s safe to say 4 Hands has elevated it to reputed, maybe even Reptua the Beautah for you J. Giels fans.

Follow Niel on Twitter @WaveTrainLLC

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