Pumpkin Ales
With All Hallows’ Eve right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to talk about gourds. What, you didn’t think I’d go there? You may have taken me out of the anthropology department, but you can’t take the anthropology out of me.
But, when it comes to beer, the gourd in particular is pumpkin. Now we may not ALL be fans of the pumpkin, but for those of you that get psyched about pumpkin pie, this is the time of year for pumpkin brew.
When talking about pumpkin ales, some go over the top not with a pumpkin flavor, but the combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. A couple of examples that take the sugar and spices overboard include Bud’s Jack’s Pumpkin Spice Ale and Southampton’s Pumpkin Ale. But some of the best find a subtle combination of spices, pumpkin, and a great malt flavor. Those include Dogfish Head’s Punkin’ Ale and Brooklyn Brewery’s Post Road Pumpkin Ale.
Dogfish Head’s Punkin’ is this year’s pumpkin beer of choice. Essentially the base of the beer is a lovely malted amber ale with the underlying flavor of pumpkin and nutmeg. It’s almost like you took a great German altbier and were eating a small slice of pumpkin pie.
So feelin’ like you want to take a bite of the Punkin’ but the 7% ABV is making you a little gun shy? Go for the Toasted Punkin’ Pie Black and Tan. The smoked malt flavors of Guinness are only complimented by the pumpkin and nutmeg flavor of the Punkin’ Ale.
Well, enjoy yourselves out there…and with the economy in the crapper, here are some cheap costume ideas:
As always, have a cold one,
Bill
