Residents of Boise, Idaho might be more familiar with Ontario, Ore. than the people of Portland. Less than 12,000 people call Ontario home, just one hour from downtown Boise and 375 miles from Portland, including Beer Valley Brewing Company. Launching their production in 2007, Beer Valley producing “strong ales,” with fervor and flavor like the Jackalope Imperial Pumpkin Porter. Parading around with only 10 IBUs, it was ironic I found this beer at Yakima’s Fresh Hop Ale Festival. Available only for the next few weeks of remaining stock, the Jackalope is subtle in its pumpkin, offering hints of the spices more so than dense, canned puree. The porter is brewed with 250 pounds of squash per batch, resulting in a dark and round medium-bodied porter, robust in spices like nutmeg, cinnamon and clove with a pumpkin undertone. The finish is bitter with spice but smooth and seasonal.
