Virtual Craft Beer Tasting Club » Discussions

Fall Seasonal Beer Tasting - October, 2012

• Mark

  

  Leader
   

  October 1, 2012

  For October's Craft Beer Tasting we will be tasting Fall Ales. Under Fall Seasonal Ales you will find a myriad of craft beers from Pumpkin Ales to Oktoberfest brews to one off specialty ales that are only produced in the fall.
  
  Some choices might include, but are not limited to: Dogfish Head Punkin Ale, Upslope Brewing Pumpkin Ale, Blue Point Oktoberfest, Bridgeport Witch Hunt Spiced Harvest Ale, Abita Pecan Harvest Ale, Sierra Nevada Tumbler Autumn Brown Ale, Brooklyn Oktoberfest, Sweetwater Motor Boat Ale, New Belgium Red Hoptober Ale, Brewery Ommegang Scythe & Sickle, Duck-Rabbit Dopplebock and Weyerbacher Autumn Fest Ale.
  
  Enjoy the cooler weather, have a good seasonal craft beer and tell us about it here!

  For October's Craft Beer Tasting we will be tasting Fall Ales. Under Fall Seasonal Ales you will find a myriad of craft beers from Pumpkin Ales to Oktoberfest brews to one off specialty ales that are only produced in the fall. Some choices might include, but are not limited to: Dogfish Head Punkin Ale, Upslope Brewing Pumpkin Ale, Blue Point Oktoberfest, Bridgeport Witch Hunt Spiced Harvest Ale, Abita Pecan Harvest Ale, Sierra Nevada Tumbler Autumn Brown Ale, Brooklyn Oktoberfest, Sweetwater Motor Boat Ale, New Belgium Red Hoptober Ale, Brewery Ommegang Scythe & Sickle, Duck-Rabbit Dopplebock and Weyerbacher Autumn Fest Ale. Enjoy the cooler weather, have a good seasonal craft beer and tell us about it here!
• Mark

  

  Leader
   

  October 1, 2012

  Lakefront Pumpkin Lager Beer
  Lakefront Brewery, Milwaukee, WI
  12 ounce bottle, 6.0% ABV, Bottled Week 4 July 2012
  
  The Pumpkin Lager Beer from Lakefront Brewery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin pours out a clear golden-orange in color and is topped with just over a finger of tightly knit, slightly off-white head that reduces away to a thin collar. On the nose, a wonderful bouquet of pumpkin and spice. Aromas of pumpkin, allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon, some nuttiness and a bit of lager spiciness. In the mouth, slightly sweet with good pumpkin flavor. The nutmeg, allspice and other fall spice flavors really shine with the level of pumpkin in this craft beer. Some toffee sweetness but not overly sweet. Light bodied. Good carbonation. Clean slightly dry mouthfeel. Some lacing on the glass. The finish is dry and remarkably long for a lager with excellent layers of flavor that peal away leaving the pumpkin to be savored last.
  
  I am often skeptical of lagers. They are not my go to beer in any format typically. Their have been a few exceptions along the way and this Lakefront Pumpkin Lager will be added to the list of lagers I really like. Good balance in the flavors. Properly crafted without being overdone. Recommended.

  Lakefront Pumpkin Lager Beer Lakefront Brewery, Milwaukee, WI 12 ounce bottle, 6.0% ABV, Bottled Week 4 July 2012 The Pumpkin Lager Beer from Lakefront Brewery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin pours out a clear golden-orange in color and is topped with just over a finger of tightly knit, slightly off-white head that reduces away to a thin collar. On the nose, a wonderful bouquet of pumpkin and spice. Aromas of pumpkin, allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon, some nuttiness and a bit of lager spiciness. In the mouth, slightly sweet with good pumpkin flavor. The nutmeg, allspice and other fall spice flavors really shine with the level of pumpkin in this craft beer. Some toffee sweetness but not overly sweet. Light bodied. Good carbonation. Clean slightly dry mouthfeel. Some lacing on the glass. The finish is dry and remarkably long for a lager with excellent layers of flavor that peal away leaving the pumpkin to be savored last. I am often skeptical of lagers. They are not my go to beer in any format typically. Their have been a few exceptions along the way and this Lakefront Pumpkin Lager will be added to the list of lagers I really like. Good balance in the flavors. Properly crafted without being overdone. Recommended.
• Mark

  

  Leader
   

  October 1, 2012

  Ska Autumnal Mole Stout
  Ska Brewing, Durango, CO
  12 ounce can, 5.5% ABV
  
  The Autumnal Molé Stout from Ska Brewing Company in Durango, Colorado pours out pitch black in color with no light getting through and is topped with a one inger, mocha colored head that readily reduces away. On the nose, deeply roast aromas almost to the point of smoky charcoal accompanied by bitter sweet chocolate, peppery spice, dark molasses, light coffee and a little vegetable. In the mouth, quite sweet upfront with bitterness and spice livening up the party. Flavors of smoky, roast grains, heat and some some vegetable from the peppers, dark chocolate, a good amount of sweetness and a touch of espresso. Medium to full bodied. Low carbonation. Slight creaminess to the mouthfeel. Little lacing on the glass. The finish is long and has good flavor with heat from the peppers elevating right at the end.
  
  A very smooth stout with good flavor and nice to see it is lower in ABV than some of the monsters out there. Very drinkable but still a sipper. A craft beer you can savor and thoroughly enjoy. Recommended.

  Ska Autumnal Mole Stout Ska Brewing, Durango, CO 12 ounce can, 5.5% ABV The Autumnal Molé Stout from Ska Brewing Company in Durango, Colorado pours out pitch black in color with no light getting through and is topped with a one inger, mocha colored head that readily reduces away. On the nose, deeply roast aromas almost to the point of smoky charcoal accompanied by bitter sweet chocolate, peppery spice, dark molasses, light coffee and a little vegetable. In the mouth, quite sweet upfront with bitterness and spice livening up the party. Flavors of smoky, roast grains, heat and some some vegetable from the peppers, dark chocolate, a good amount of sweetness and a touch of espresso. Medium to full bodied. Low carbonation. Slight creaminess to the mouthfeel. Little lacing on the glass. The finish is long and has good flavor with heat from the peppers elevating right at the end. A very smooth stout with good flavor and nice to see it is lower in ABV than some of the monsters out there. Very drinkable but still a sipper. A craft beer you can savor and thoroughly enjoy. Recommended.
• Mark

  

  Leader
   

  October 2, 2012

  Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale
  Shipyard Brewing Company, Portland, ME
  12 ounce bottle, 4.7% ABV, Best enjoyed before January, 2013
  
  The Pumpkinhead Ale from Shipyard Brewing Company in Portland, Maine pours out on the yellow side of orange in color with good clarity and is topped with an almost two finger, tightly bubbled, white head that reduces all the way down quite quickly, leaving just a thin collar. On the nose, more spice than pumpkin. Aromas of cinnamon, allspice, spiced sugar cookies and faint pumpkin. In the mouth, quite like the nose. Cinnamon and other fall spices dominate with an underlying pumpkin sweetness. Light bodied. Vibrant carbonation. Clean mouthfeel. Little lacing on the glass. The finish is of medium length and loaded with fall spices.
  
  With all the pumpkin ales out there that are better than average this effort from Shipyard Brewing seems to fall short. Perhaps, unlike me, there are those that prefer a heavy does of fall spice in there pumpkin beer but to me this should be call Spiced Ale brewed with pumpkin. Of note, is that there is no mention of pumpkin being used in the making of this ale on the label. It simply says, "Malt beverage with natural flavor added." Not for me but you might like it.

  Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale Shipyard Brewing Company, Portland, ME 12 ounce bottle, 4.7% ABV, Best enjoyed before January, 2013 The Pumpkinhead Ale from Shipyard Brewing Company in Portland, Maine pours out on the yellow side of orange in color with good clarity and is topped with an almost two finger, tightly bubbled, white head that reduces all the way down quite quickly, leaving just a thin collar. On the nose, more spice than pumpkin. Aromas of cinnamon, allspice, spiced sugar cookies and faint pumpkin. In the mouth, quite like the nose. Cinnamon and other fall spices dominate with an underlying pumpkin sweetness. Light bodied. Vibrant carbonation. Clean mouthfeel. Little lacing on the glass. The finish is of medium length and loaded with fall spices. With all the pumpkin ales out there that are better than average this effort from Shipyard Brewing seems to fall short. Perhaps, unlike me, there are those that prefer a heavy does of fall spice in there pumpkin beer but to me this should be call Spiced Ale brewed with pumpkin. Of note, is that there is no mention of pumpkin being used in the making of this ale on the label. It simply says, "Malt beverage with natural flavor added." Not for me but you might like it.
• Mark

  

  Leader
   

  October 3, 2012

  Samuel Adams Harvest Pumpkin Ale
  Boston Beer Co., Boston, MA
  12 ounce bottle, 5.7% ABV, Best before March, 2013
  
  The Samuel Adams Harvest Pumpkin Ale from the Boston Beer Company in Boston, Massachusetts pours out a deep amber in color with good clarity and is topped with a two finger, light tan head that slowly reduces all the way down. On the nose, lovely malt aromas with the expected sweetness and a good dose of pumpkin and fall spices. In the mouth, very balanced with the spice and pumpkin being highlighted. Flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, toffee and a little nutty biscuit. Medium bodied. Vibrant carbonation. The mouthfeel is mostly clean with just a little slickness to it. Some lacing on the glass. The finish is quite long with the pumpkin just fading away before the fall spices.
  
  A solid pumpkin ale. Very balanced without one flavor or aroma crying out for attention. Enough pumpkin and spice to enjoy. I can see this being a reliable go to pumpkin ale that most people will enjoy. Recommended.

  Samuel Adams Harvest Pumpkin Ale Boston Beer Co., Boston, MA 12 ounce bottle, 5.7% ABV, Best before March, 2013 The Samuel Adams Harvest Pumpkin Ale from the Boston Beer Company in Boston, Massachusetts pours out a deep amber in color with good clarity and is topped with a two finger, light tan head that slowly reduces all the way down. On the nose, lovely malt aromas with the expected sweetness and a good dose of pumpkin and fall spices. In the mouth, very balanced with the spice and pumpkin being highlighted. Flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, toffee and a little nutty biscuit. Medium bodied. Vibrant carbonation. The mouthfeel is mostly clean with just a little slickness to it. Some lacing on the glass. The finish is quite long with the pumpkin just fading away before the fall spices. A solid pumpkin ale. Very balanced without one flavor or aroma crying out for attention. Enough pumpkin and spice to enjoy. I can see this being a reliable go to pumpkin ale that most people will enjoy. Recommended.
• Mark

  

  Leader
   

  October 4, 2012

  Upslope Limited Release Pumpkin Ale
  Upslope Brewing Company, Boulder, CO
  16 ounce can, 7.5% ABV, 25 IBU
  
  The Limited Release Pumpkin Ale from Upslope Brewing Company in Boulder, Colorado pours out amber in color with some garnet hues, good clarity and is topped with a two finger, densely knit, fine bubbled head that slowly reduces down to a thin film. On the nose, aromas of roast pumpkin, allspice, brown sugar cookies and nutmeg. In the mouth, wonderful fall flavors coat the palate. Redolent with a balance of pumpkin, spice and brown sugar with just a hint of bitterness towards the end. The flavors really mesh together with each one shining but no more than the other. Medium bodied. Moderate carbonation. Some lacing on the glass. Slight creaminess to the mouthfeel. The finish is long with the spices just barely outlasting the meaty pumpkin.
  
  A solid pumpkin ale that puts an emphasis on the pumpkin flavor. Slightly, but not overly, sweet with a dash of bitterness cleaning up the brew. Exceptional balance of flavors makes this one of the best pumpkin ales on the market. Highly Recommended.

  Upslope Limited Release Pumpkin Ale Upslope Brewing Company, Boulder, CO 16 ounce can, 7.5% ABV, 25 IBU The Limited Release Pumpkin Ale from Upslope Brewing Company in Boulder, Colorado pours out amber in color with some garnet hues, good clarity and is topped with a two finger, densely knit, fine bubbled head that slowly reduces down to a thin film. On the nose, aromas of roast pumpkin, allspice, brown sugar cookies and nutmeg. In the mouth, wonderful fall flavors coat the palate. Redolent with a balance of pumpkin, spice and brown sugar with just a hint of bitterness towards the end. The flavors really mesh together with each one shining but no more than the other. Medium bodied. Moderate carbonation. Some lacing on the glass. Slight creaminess to the mouthfeel. The finish is long with the spices just barely outlasting the meaty pumpkin. A solid pumpkin ale that puts an emphasis on the pumpkin flavor. Slightly, but not overly, sweet with a dash of bitterness cleaning up the brew. Exceptional balance of flavors makes this one of the best pumpkin ales on the market. Highly Recommended.
• Mark

  

  Leader
   

  October 5, 2012

  Elysian Night Owl Pumpkin Ale
  Elysian Brewing Company, Seattle, WA
  22 ounce bottle, 5.9% ABV, 18 IBU
  
  The Night Owl Pumpkin Ale from Elysian Brewing Company in Seattle, Washington pours out a bright orangey-copper in color with a good amount of sediment and is topped with a two finger, small bubbled, white head that reduces all the way down leaving just a thin collar. On the nose, pumpkin heaven with a dose of spice. Aromas of fresh pumpkin, roast pumpkin, fall spices, brown sugar and pie crust. In the mouth, very balanced with a good deal of fresh pumpkin flavor. Flavors of fresh pumpkin, baked pumpkin and a slight nuttiness (which I guess is coming from the pumpkin seeds as this craft beer is brewed with the pumpkin and the seeds), hints of nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and some toffee. Medium bodied. Good carbonation. Slight syrup to the mouthfeel. Little lacing on the glass. The finish is long and the pumpkin flavors are predominant and last the whole way through.
  
  A very interesting pumpkin ale. Whereas a lot of pumpkin ales seem to try and resemble a pumpkin pie in flavor (and this does have some of that flavor, but milder), this tastes a lot fresher. More meaty, fresh pumpkin flavor shines through with a hint of nuttiness and just enough spice to let the pumpkin be the star. It is nice to see a different take on a pumpkin ale. Well done. Recommended.

  Elysian Night Owl Pumpkin Ale Elysian Brewing Company, Seattle, WA 22 ounce bottle, 5.9% ABV, 18 IBU The Night Owl Pumpkin Ale from Elysian Brewing Company in Seattle, Washington pours out a bright orangey-copper in color with a good amount of sediment and is topped with a two finger, small bubbled, white head that reduces all the way down leaving just a thin collar. On the nose, pumpkin heaven with a dose of spice. Aromas of fresh pumpkin, roast pumpkin, fall spices, brown sugar and pie crust. In the mouth, very balanced with a good deal of fresh pumpkin flavor. Flavors of fresh pumpkin, baked pumpkin and a slight nuttiness (which I guess is coming from the pumpkin seeds as this craft beer is brewed with the pumpkin and the seeds), hints of nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and some toffee. Medium bodied. Good carbonation. Slight syrup to the mouthfeel. Little lacing on the glass. The finish is long and the pumpkin flavors are predominant and last the whole way through. A very interesting pumpkin ale. Whereas a lot of pumpkin ales seem to try and resemble a pumpkin pie in flavor (and this does have some of that flavor, but milder), this tastes a lot fresher. More meaty, fresh pumpkin flavor shines through with a hint of nuttiness and just enough spice to let the pumpkin be the star. It is nice to see a different take on a pumpkin ale. Well done. Recommended.
• Mark

  

  Leader
   

  October 6, 2012

  Uinta Crooked Line Series Oak Jacked Imperial Pumpkin Ale
  Uinta Brewing Company, Salt Lake City, UT
  750ml bottle corked and caged, 10.3% ABV, Bottled on 09/04/12
  
  The Crooked Line Series Oak Jacked Imperial Pumpkin Ale from Uinta Brewing Company in Salt Lake City, Utah pours out a dark ruby in color with good clarity and is topped with a three finger, light tan head that slowly reduces down to thin film with a quarter inch collar. On the nose, a ton of bourbon barrel scents with a dollop of pumpkin and spice. Aromas of bourbon, vanilla, toasted oak, pumpkin, sweet potato, fall spice and toffee. In the mouth, packed with flavor, rich and luxurious. Flavors of roast pumpkin, bourbon, vanilla, oak, cinnamon, nutmeg, a pinch of pepper and a lingering toffee sweetness. Medium to full bodied. Good carbonation. Thick sheets of lacing on the glass. Slight syrup in a chewy mouthfeel. The finish is long with sweet bourbon and baked pumpkin lasting the longest.
  
  What an incredible pumpkin ale that has taken a good pumpkin ale and kicked it up several notches adding layer upon layer of flavor that meld together harmoniously. Complex, big, intriguing and a delight to drink. If you like oak aged brews or want to see what a pumpkin ale can become this is a must try. You will not be disappointed. Highly recommended.

  Uinta Crooked Line Series Oak Jacked Imperial Pumpkin Ale Uinta Brewing Company, Salt Lake City, UT 750ml bottle corked and caged, 10.3% ABV, Bottled on 09/04/12 The Crooked Line Series Oak Jacked Imperial Pumpkin Ale from Uinta Brewing Company in Salt Lake City, Utah pours out a dark ruby in color with good clarity and is topped with a three finger, light tan head that slowly reduces down to thin film with a quarter inch collar. On the nose, a ton of bourbon barrel scents with a dollop of pumpkin and spice. Aromas of bourbon, vanilla, toasted oak, pumpkin, sweet potato, fall spice and toffee. In the mouth, packed with flavor, rich and luxurious. Flavors of roast pumpkin, bourbon, vanilla, oak, cinnamon, nutmeg, a pinch of pepper and a lingering toffee sweetness. Medium to full bodied. Good carbonation. Thick sheets of lacing on the glass. Slight syrup in a chewy mouthfeel. The finish is long with sweet bourbon and baked pumpkin lasting the longest. What an incredible pumpkin ale that has taken a good pumpkin ale and kicked it up several notches adding layer upon layer of flavor that meld together harmoniously. Complex, big, intriguing and a delight to drink. If you like oak aged brews or want to see what a pumpkin ale can become this is a must try. You will not be disappointed. Highly recommended.
• ironarrow42

  

  Member
   

  October 14, 2012

  Southern Tier Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale
  Southern Tier Brewing Co., Lakewood, NY
  22 oz bomber, 8.6% ABV
  
  Served in the appropriate logo stemmed glass (Long Live the King), Pumking pours out a beautiful pumpkiny orange, bright and clear, capped with a 1/8" - 1/4" off-white head that subsides to a collar and patchy foam. A heavenly aroma of pumpkin, caramel malt, and coriander wafts from the glass, with faint hints of allspice and nutmeg. There are limited small bubbles rising to the top.
  
  Body is medium-full with a fine, tingly carbonation bite. the flavors follow through on the aromas - pumpkin, coriander, some dryish caramel malt, and faint hints of allspice and possibly nutmeg. Bittering fades in seamlessly and balances the profile nicely.
  
  A real change of pace from every other pumpkin beer I've tried. The spicing is done perfectly, and the beer is very drinkable and more-ish. The lingering finish features the spice melange slowly fading with a dry edge and gentle bitterness.
  
  Stellar brew, one I always look forward to at this time of year.

  Southern Tier Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale Southern Tier Brewing Co., Lakewood, NY 22 oz bomber, 8.6% ABV Served in the appropriate logo stemmed glass (Long Live the King), Pumking pours out a beautiful pumpkiny orange, bright and clear, capped with a 1/8" - 1/4" off-white head that subsides to a collar and patchy foam. A heavenly aroma of pumpkin, caramel malt, and coriander wafts from the glass, with faint hints of allspice and nutmeg. There are limited small bubbles rising to the top. Body is medium-full with a fine, tingly carbonation bite. the flavors follow through on the aromas - pumpkin, coriander, some dryish caramel malt, and faint hints of allspice and possibly nutmeg. Bittering fades in seamlessly and balances the profile nicely. A real change of pace from every other pumpkin beer I've tried. The spicing is done perfectly, and the beer is very drinkable and more-ish. The lingering finish features the spice melange slowly fading with a dry edge and gentle bitterness. Stellar brew, one I always look forward to at this time of year.
• Mark

  

  Leader
   

  October 14, 2012

  I hear a lot of good things about Pumpking which you just confirmed.

  I hear a lot of good things about Pumpking which you just confirmed.