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.