So in the past couple days I've had the opportunity to try a few different Pumpkin ales. Southern Tier - Pumking / Schafly - Pumpkin Ale / Dogfish Head - Punkin Ale. This was the first time I've had had pumpkin ale so I basicaly had no idea what to expect. Heres my thoughts but I'd like to hear yours (I'm not giving a look/smell/taste/feel just an overall)
Southern Tier - Pumking (Tap)
I think this beer was fantastic, however in limited amounts. This beer was almost something you would have as a desert. The flavor was thick and powerful all the way through, strong pumpkin and spice. I couldn't drink this beer all night but the flavor was amazing.
Schafly - Pumpkin Ale (Bottle)
This was another great pumpkin beer. This beer was very sweet, apparent pumpkin aroma but the spices over powered the overall flavor. This was a little lighter in body to the Pumking but very different qualities. Another really good beer
Dog Fish Head - Punkin Ale (Bottle)
Slight pumpkin and spice aroma, more malty . The body was full and the pumpkin and spice was in the middle and end. In my opinion this was very different than the other two. The flavors were great but something you had to wait for. This was the most drinkable beer.
In my opinion all three beers were great and pumpkin ales leave room for creativity because it appears the guidelines are not set. If I were going the drink the southern tier i would prepare myself for the beer to take over, the Schafly almost the same, I could drink this at the end of the night but only in limited quantities. The Dogfish head will get you in trouble, the flavors are subtle but present. The Dog Fish head would compliment a good dinner and could be drank throughout the season.
Although all beers were very good and all have a place and time my vote is for Dog Fish Head because the other two take over and would have a good meal competing for your attention where as the Dog Fish head would compliment a seasonal meal. Pumpkin beer is all a matter of what you're looking for and I think it's more a matter of personal preferance than anything.The problem with the Punkin Ale is it's extremely drinkable and you could have many before you realize what you've done to yourself.
Anyway i know this isn't a beer review forum but my purpose was to find out - What's your preference in Pumpkin Beer? Strong upfront flavors that hit you in the face or a subtle complimentory flavor that leaves you wanting more?
Southern Tier - Pumking (Tap)
I think this beer was fantastic, however in limited amounts. This beer was almost something you would have as a desert. The flavor was thick and powerful all the way through, strong pumpkin and spice. I couldn't drink this beer all night but the flavor was amazing.
Schafly - Pumpkin Ale (Bottle)
This was another great pumpkin beer. This beer was very sweet, apparent pumpkin aroma but the spices over powered the overall flavor. This was a little lighter in body to the Pumking but very different qualities. Another really good beer
Dog Fish Head - Punkin Ale (Bottle)
Slight pumpkin and spice aroma, more malty . The body was full and the pumpkin and spice was in the middle and end. In my opinion this was very different than the other two. The flavors were great but something you had to wait for. This was the most drinkable beer.
In my opinion all three beers were great and pumpkin ales leave room for creativity because it appears the guidelines are not set. If I were going the drink the southern tier i would prepare myself for the beer to take over, the Schafly almost the same, I could drink this at the end of the night but only in limited quantities. The Dogfish head will get you in trouble, the flavors are subtle but present. The Dog Fish head would compliment a good dinner and could be drank throughout the season.
Although all beers were very good and all have a place and time my vote is for Dog Fish Head because the other two take over and would have a good meal competing for your attention where as the Dog Fish head would compliment a seasonal meal. Pumpkin beer is all a matter of what you're looking for and I think it's more a matter of personal preferance than anything.The problem with the Punkin Ale is it's extremely drinkable and you could have many before you realize what you've done to yourself.
Anyway i know this isn't a beer review forum but my purpose was to find out - What's your preference in Pumpkin Beer? Strong upfront flavors that hit you in the face or a subtle complimentory flavor that leaves you wanting more?