Tag Archives: pumpkin ale

FOUR + PUNK’N ALE

On tap, tepid golden autumn ale gets metallic as shallow pumpkin pie spicing and soapy backend disrupt tingly-hopped brown-sugared cinnamon-nutmeg-allspice nicety. Astringent gourd likeness hampers cereal-grained finish, lowering appeal further. But bottled version displays better cinnamon-spiced pumpkin character overriding whiskey-malted pumpernickel-rye abatement.

SARANAC PUMPKIN ALE

Capricious amber-cleared medium-bodied seasonal brings tantalizing pumpkin pie crusting, molasses-soaked allspice-clove-nutmeg spicing and teasing cinnamon apple nuance to hop-fizzed astringency. Syrupy cherry soda sweetness and soured citric tinge outdistance underlying vanilla dab. ’09 re-tasting: vegetal gourd-squash astringency relegated molasses malt temperament. ’11 re-tasting: honeyed cinnamon-nutmeg spicing and pumpkin pie sweetness bettered past versions. ’13 re-tasting: pumpkin pie-spiced nutmeg sweetness stood out contrasting gourd-backed hop astringency. On tap at Biggie’s ’17, ginger-leafed pumpkin pie sweetness picks up lemony carbolic spritz and light cinnamon-toasted nutmeg and allspice seasoning, but flavor profile ultimately drifts.

SHIPYARD PUMPKINHEAD ALE

Subtle autumnal pumpkin pie spiciness adjoins mild brown-sugared cinnamon-nutmeg-clove adjuncts. Watery finish depletes tangy lemon-orange drift, but this is a fine medium-bodied straw-hued crossover for pilsner-lager fans. 2012 re-tasting: Sunny lemon spritz and cinnamon-toasted pumpkin spicing increased volume over cardamom-coriander-ginger spicing as well as vinous green grape and cider nuances.

STONE CAT PUMPKIN ALE

Acrid grape esters consume mild gourd frontage of darker-than-usual dry-bodied pumpkin-spiced wayfarer. In lieu of expected cinnamon-clove spicing, this robust mahogany autumn seasonal boasts charred hop depth, coarse walnut bounty, and abrupt vegetal earthiness. Emboldened toasted grain finish acquires tingly barleywine-burgundy nuance.

WEYERBACHER IMPERIAL PUMPKIN ALE

Another fine ale and interesting label (an evil gourd) from stalwart brewer, ’05. Dense pumpkin sweetness dominates heady 8% alcohol rush, sugary malt lacquered stickiness, and vegetal bottom of mildly creamy seasonal. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom spices tingle lingering pumpkin pie resonation as rippling red cherry, berry, and apricot offing enhances pleasant brandied aftertaste.

WILD GOOSE PUMPKIN PATCH ALE

Lamentable limited ’06 release finds astringent Fuggle-hopped bittering and woody alcohol burn overwhelming expectant autumnal pumpkin theme of clear coppery dry body. Spicy pumpkin pie gloss fades considerably as moldy cooked vegetable funk weakens peppered clove and herbal tea illusions obscuring brown sugared cinnamon-nutmeg-ginger whir. Biscuit-y wheat backbone and squash-like finish need better profundity.