Product: Abita Pecan Harvest: For All of its Nutty Claims, this Brew Seems to be Missing a Little Something Producer: Abita Brewing Company Approximate Retail Value: $7.99 per six pack Category: Beer Country of Origin: Abita Springs, LA, USA Reviewer: Jon Costantino The F Words: Flavor – Hints of root beer and chocolate. Feel – Dry and bitter. Finish – Harsh and lingering.

Rating:

Abita Brewing, which is based in Louisiana, makes big claims on the label for their fall featured Pecan Harvest, saying that unlike other brews which say they are “nut flavored,” they make theirs with real Louisiana pecans. So, where is the big bold flavor that should accompany such a boast? When I tasted this beer, I realized that maybe not having real pecans in my beer wasn’t such a bad thing, considering I have found many other “Nut Browns” to be more delicious and satisfying.

When you first smell the Pecan Harvest, you don’t get a nutty bouquet but more of a mocha latte aroma. I wouldn’t have thought this was a nut beer if it was given to me in a blind taste test. Even if you swirl the ale in a pink glass, trying to get any hint of pecan, you will be disappointed.

As the beer first touches your lips, the strength of the beer comes across more than any flavors. Then after you’re about to swallow, all the potential flavor completely disappears, and you’re just left with a better-than-average pale ale. 

As for the finish, the harshness of the alcohol is what’s left and almost makes it hard to swallow. There is almost a root beer flavor to the finish but without the nice ginger aftertaste that characterizes a good root beer. In all, the excitement of trying a beer that claimed to have real pecan oil in its finish and aroma made way for thoughts of how nice other brands of nut ales are.

In all honesty, I have always thought Abita Brewing Company’s previous beers are either too bitter or leave a funny, fruity aftertaste but was willing to give this new flavor a shot. But once again, they let me down. Don’t get fooled by the pretty packaging of the Pecan Harvest and its back label sales pitch, because you’ll be the only nut drinking this at your next party.