Gingerbread Murder Scene by Pontoon Brewing was judged as BJCP 2015 style 30A Spice/Herb/Vegetable beer with a base style 20C Imperial Stout.

Pours an opaque very deep brown with a small dark tan head of tiny bubbles that fades to a cordon ring quickly. The aroma starts with a big roast character, medium-high bitter chocolate, a hint of oatmeal, some lactose sweetness as well as some mixed baking spices like cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg – quite a complex nose. The flavor hits with big bitter chocolate notes reminiscent of cacao nibs, medium low oatmeal, moderately sweet lactose notes, medium black licorice, medium vanilla, moderate blackstrap molasses and woody baking spices – cinnamon and nutmeg. There is a bit of spicy heat and maybe a hint of ginger. Low floral and herbal hops, medium bittering, lingering dark chocolate bitterness. Medium carbonation is present. Lots of complexity in the flavor helps to offset and balance the lactose notes (and maybe oatmeal?). This is a fireside snifter-sipper. Food pairing could be a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or something fruity like cherry pie a la mode. For a main meal, something simple like grilled chicken breast with minimal spicing would work beautifully – let the beer add the complexity.