Saint Arnold Pumpkinator (DR 9 Returns!)

I know pumpkin beers are kind of controversial, but take my word for it: Saint Arnold's Divine Reserve Number 9, a limited-edition pumpkin imperial stout released back in 2009, was awesome.

Now, DR9 is coming back as a holiday seasonal, renamed Pumpkinator. This is the first time Saint Arnold has re-released one of their Divine Reserve selections, which are usually very limited edition and always cause Texas craft beer lovers to run around like chickens with their heads cut off to snatch up a six-pack before supplies run out. Presumably this run will be larger, so no need to knock over little old ladies in the beer aisle to get it.

Press release from Saint Arnold below:

Thirteen is a Lucky Number for Texas Craft Beer Fans

First Annual Release of Saint Arnold Pumpkinator™ Slated for October 13th

HOUSTON, October 4, 2011 – Just in time for Halloween, Saint Arnold Brewing Company (www.saintarnold.com) will resurrect one of its dearly departed brews. But Saint Arnold Pumpkinator is no zombie of a beer. Formerly released as Saint Arnold Divine Reserve No. 9 nearly two years ago, Pumpkinator is slated for the first of what will be an annual pre-holiday release on Thursday, October 13, 2011.

Saint Arnold Pumpkinator is an Imperial Pumpkin Stout Ale. There are a number of firsts associated with Saint Arnold Pumpinator’s release, including:

- The first new seasonal brew introduced by Saint Arnold since the release of Saint Arnold Spring Bock 13 years ago.

- The first re-release of one of the brewery’s Saint Arnold Divine Reserve recipes.

- The first beer from Saint Arnold to be released in 22-ounce bombers.

“When we first introduced Saint Arnold Divine Reserve No. 9 in 2009, we set out to brew a beer that would stand up to the spicing traditionally associated with pumpkin ales,” said Brock Wagner, Founder/Brewer of Saint Arnold Brewing. “Our solution was to pumpkinize an imperial stout. We loved the result. We found it to be the perfect finish to our Thanksgiving dinners – and it made our relatives much more enjoyable.”

Black with ruby highlights, Saint Arnold Pumpkinator is full of pumpkin pie spices with notes of nutmeg, caraway and vanilla. In fact, some describe the beer’s taste as chocolate pumpkin pie. For this brew, serving at temperatures of 50 degrees or higher can considerably enhance the flavor profile. As it warms, the spices move forward in the taste and the chocolate moves to the finish. The pumpkin provides a pleasant undertone and a nice mouthfeel.

Saint Arnold Pupkinator will be available in 22-ounce bombers sold separately or in 12-bomber cases and in limited draft.