A Six-Pack of Pumpkin Beer reviews
Sep 19 '08
The Bottom Line If you've never had a pumpkin beer you're missing out. Try one before it's too late!
Now that autumn has officially arrived, it’s time to stop drinking those fruit-flavored, gimmicky, artificially-sweetened summer beers and opt for a true seasonal brew – the pumpkin beer.
That’s right; pumpkin beer makes for a nice change of pace for those who really appreciate the craft of brewing. Beers of this type are much richer in taste due to their incorporation of cinnamon, clove, vanilla, nutmeg and other such spices depending on the brewer. Many are able to balance these spices quite well to make for a sweet-tasting beer that is surprisingly easy to drink considering how strong the taste usually is.
But don’t let a beer with actual flavor scare you. Pumpkin beers are known for their smooth finish and medium body. Additionally, many have even MORE alcohol by volume than even cheap “ice” lagers. Unfortunately, some are quite pricey and difficult to find outside of a beverage center. However, after having tried a plethora of these beers lately, I can assure you it’s well worth your time and money to seek out some of these brews, especially since most will be gone by Thanksgiving.
(note: all prices are according to Westmere Beverage: 1756 Western Ave. www.brew-crew.com)
Saranac Pumpkin Ale
$6.67 per 6-pack
ABV: 5.4%
Calories: information not available
GRADE: A-
This beer has an all-natural taste to it. The pumpkin is evident, but it’s actually overshadowed by the taste of clove and vanilla. It’s also very sweet, but doesn’t taste sugary. Since this is one of the spiciest beers I’ve ever drank, it’s no surprise it has a bit of a bite to its finish, but it’s in no way difficult to drink except to the lightest of lightweights.
And at 5.4% ABV Saranac Pumpkin Ale certainly doesn’t taste as potent as it is. I’d highly recommend this as a party beer, especially considering the price.
Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale
$9.99 per 6-pack
ABV: 4.5%
Calories: 150
GRADE: B-
Ever wondered what a pumpkin-flavored soda would taste like? This is it (plus alcohol). Pumpkinhead Ale will saturate your palate with the taste of cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. It drinks as smooth as Corona and is very light in body, almost to the point of being a “lite” beer. The catch is that it’s not made with any actual pumpkin, only artificial flavoring
I would recommend Shipyard to those not familiar with craft beers and their strong flavor. Since it’s easy to drink it would make a good party beverage, although there are better beers on this list at better prices for the more discriminating drinkers.
Dogfish Head Punkin’ Ale
$10.49 per 4-pack
ABV: 7%
Calories: 230
GRADE: C+
I don’t know why this isn’t the best beer on this list. Dogfish Head Punkin’ Ale is a seasonal craft beer from a microbrewery – which is usually a beer connoisseur’s wet dream.
The most notable flavor is brown sugar, followed by cinnamon, some nutmeg and just a dash of pumpkin. It’s spicy, but not very delectable. In fact, it has a rather dry taste whereby the alcohol overwhelms the natural ingredients. It finishes very smooth, but at 230 calories and 7% ABV per bottle, this isn’t a beer for lightweights (or cheapskates considering the price).
Harvest Moon Pumpkin Ale
$7.29 per 6-pack
ABV: 5.6%
Calories: 180
GRADE: B
This beer has a complex palate for a mass-market offering. The taste of pumpkin and the spices of clove, nutmeg and cinnamon are definitely noticeable. The only problem is you should allow the beer to warm a little to let the true flavor come to life (although that’s true of every beer on this list), otherwise the taste is a little flat. It finishes fairly smooth and has a medium body, so for lightweights Harvest Moon will drink like a genuine craft beer.
It’s very likely this will be the only pumpkin ale you will encounter at the supermarket because it’s made and distributed by Coors. Beer snobs have a tendency to automatically dislike any beer affiliated with the big boys, but in the case of Harvest Moon Pumpkin Ale I can honestly say it’s pretty good.
Jack’s Pumpkin Spice Ale
$7.19 per 6-pack
ABV: 5.5%
Calories: 166
GRADE: B+
Another offering by one of the big brewers (Anhueser-Busch), and yet it’s quite impressive considering. This is what a good pumpkin beer should taste like as the inclusion of authentic seasonings of nutmeg, cinnamon, clove and pumpkin are evident. The beer has a sweet, spicy taste without being overpowering or gimmicky.
The finish is pretty standard for a pumpkin ale: easy for veterans, a little rough for rookies. But at least it’s not too heavy in body and it definitely doesn’t feel as potent as 5.5% ABV. Jack’s Pumpkin Spice Ale would compliment a meal or work as an after-dinner treat.
Post Road Pumpkin Ale
$8.49 per 6-pack
ABV: 5%
Calories: information not available
GRADE: A
Here is a brew has all the attributes of the better beers on this list and none of the flaws of the lesser offerings. Post Road Pumpkin Ale is a fantastic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and real pumpkin. Additionally, of all the beers on this list, it has the best-looking complexion; the most appealing aroma; and the best head retention. It’s also silky smooth and has a perfect weight that will satisfy connoisseurs and won’t overwhelm lightweights.
Special mention must be made to the fact Post Road Pumpkin Ale is made right here in New York State by the Brooklyn Brewing Co. This is the epitome of beer snobbery: a seasonal craft beer by a local brewery. I highly recommend this for anyone interested in higher quality beers at a sensible price.
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Member: Chad Polenz
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