Spring House Kerplunk Imperial Chocolate Stout

The Mexican restaurant by us has a great beer selection, so whenever we go there, I try one of the beers on tap that I can’t get in Jersey. This was the first beer I had during dinner.

ABV: 8.1%

Style: American Double/Imperial Stout

Trivia: According to the brewery website, “Kerplunk! Imperial Chocolate Stout is named for the delicious sound made as large amounts of chocolate nibs and west coast hops are added directly into the simmering brew kettle. This hefty black Imperial-style stout boasts a rich caramel sweetness lavished by a robust, deep-roasted heartiness you can sink your two front teeth into. The bold flavors found in Kerplunk! are produced using a generous blend of roasted barley, crystal malts and locally produced chocolate. The resulting brew exhibits a deliciously complex and unique profile of subtle mocha coffee and intense chocolate, balanced nicely by the underlying roasted hop bitterness.”

Random: This won bronze at the World Beer Cup in 2016.

This beer poured with a half a finger of tan head that dissipated quickly and left some lacing on the glass. The body was a dark brown that was almost black. Since it was so dark, I couldn’t see any carbonation. The nose had notes of chocolate milk with a lot of chocolate syrup and white sugar. There wasn’t any smoke, but a touch of mild roastiness. The taste was like a slightly smoky chocolate milk that was thin. It had dark toasted grains, but lacked some of the white sugar that I picked up in the nose. It had an overly thin body with light carbonation. I didn’t pick up the alcohol, but I wish the body was more robust. It had a swift finish with chocolate. This beer was alright, but nothing I’d revisit.

Untappd Rating: 3.0/5.0

Spring House Braaaiins!

The other half and I headed to Isaac Newtons for some lunch and to watch College Football. We didn’t realize that it was the same day as their beer fest, so the place got crowded very quickly. This was the first beer that I had while I was there.

ABV: 7.1%

Style: Pumpkin Ale

Trivia: According to the brewery website, “Our pumpkin ale is brewed with generous amounts of real pumpkin blended into the mash. The subtle fresh pumpkin flavor is enhanced by the addition of a touch of traditional autumn spices and sweet dough, thus creating a beer with an orange amber color, warm pumpkin aroma, a bold malt center and a crisp finish. We are proud to offer you a balanced and delectable fall treat. Suitable for zombies.”

Random: I’m really not that into “Fear The Walking Dead.” Initially, I thought it would be an interesting concept, but I’m just not connecting with the characters like I did the original series.

This beer poured with a half a finger of tan head that dissipated slowly and left a lot lacing on the glass. The body was a clear, bright copper color with mild carbonation visible. The nose had a lot of vanilla notes with some cinnamon. Just from the nose, it seemed like this would be a different take on a pumpkin beer. The taste was just like cream soda up front, with lots of vanilla notes and nutmeg. It then went into pumpkin and cinnamon and ginger spice. It had a thick body with moderate carbonation. This finish was lengthy with vanilla. This was a really enjoyable Fall beer and the vanilla notes gave it a nice depth that made it stand out from the other seasonal offerings. This is worth searching out.

Untappd Rating: 4.0/5.0