A recent inventory check of the Hapa’s beer cellar revealed that we somehow missed popping open one of our Halloween specials. Tucked away in the back behind several other bottles, as if playing a trick, was T.R.E.A.T., an imperial chocolate pumpkin porter brewed by Midnight Sun Brewing Co.
Channeling our inner Jack Skellington, we decided it was completely appropriate to enjoy some Halloween paraphernalia during the Christmas season. With an ingredients list that reads more like a dessert than a beer, the apply named acronym T.R.E.A.T. more than lives up to its billing as The Royal Eccentric Ale Treatment.
Appearance
Pours nearly jet black. A hint of mahogany can be seen when the glass is held to the light. Head is tan in color and comes to rest at a finger and half. Retention and lacing are both adequate.
Aroma
The familiar smells of pumpkin pie assault the nose. Cinnamon, allspice, and clove combine with distinct roasted pumpkin notes. The cocao nibs used in the brew impart dark chocolate and the roasted malts add espresso.
Taste
A sip starts with the pumpkin pie spices and hints of pumpkin flesh. Roasted malt and cocao balance out the spices with the bitterness of burnt toast and semi sweet chocolate. The combination of spice, chocolate, and roasted malt is working nicely. Letting the beer warm slightly will really help bring out all the flavor nuances.
Mouthfeel
A full bodied beer that is slightly chewy but still creamy and smooth. Carbonation is medium. Alcohol is a non-factor even at 7.8%.
Drinkability
Jack Skellington’s experiment to combine Halloween and Christmas failed miserably in The Nightmare Before Christmas. Ours was much smoother. Midnight Sun has done an excellent job formulating a recipe with ingredients that perfectly compliment each other. Overall grade for Midnight Sun T.R.E.A.T. Imperial Chocolate Pumpkin Porter: A
T.R.E.A.T. Imperial Chocolate Pumpkin Porter
Up next on Tuesday Tasting: Midnight Sun Cohoho Imperial IPA