Pumpkin Beers 2023

While I usually eschew fruit-flavored beers and make fun of the pumpkin spice craze every late summer and fall, I decided to give some pumpkin-flavored (or maybe just themed?) beers a try since there was a huge selection at my local big box liquor store. 

The Great'er Pumpkin from Heavy Seas Beer, Baltimore (10 per cent alcohol by volume)--The label describes it thusly: "As fall approaches and thoughts turn to Halloween, we roll out The Great'er Pumpkin. A copper ale with notes of vanilla, oak, pumpkin and flavors of autumnal spice." The featured description, under the name on the large label, says it is "brewed with pumpkin and spices aged in bourbon barrels." So the longer description leaves out a significant detail. I am a sucker for beers aged in bourbon barrels since I discovered them in England ten years ago (around 2013, not sure exactly when). The ale does have a delightfully coppery color that matches the hint of bourbon. The pumpkin is stronger than the bourbon but does not overwhelm it. So too with the spices, they are well-blended to enhance the flavor without taking it over. The rich flavor is warming and delightful, like being on the upwind side of a campfire. I found it quite delightful, though the hefty ten per cent alcohol makes it a one-bottle-a-night drink for me.

Jacques Au Lantern from Evolution Craft Brewing Company, Salisbury, Maryland (6.3 per cent alcohol by volume)--The label just says, "Belgian Style Pumpkin Ale." On the company's web site, they tell a bit more about the brew: "Our fall seasonal is an unfiltered amber ale brewed with pumpkin and spices, and fermented with a Belgian yeast strain. Roasted pumpkin is added to the mash along with traditional pumpkin pie spices creating a classic fall beer. Pairs well with turkey, roasted root vegetables, sharp cheeses, apple crisp, pumpkin and pecan pie." The body of the beer is light and smooth, with balanced flavorings of pumpkin and spices. It's easy to drink and doesn't overwhelm the palate or the appetite. It also does not stand out. It's a fine brew and would go well with an autumn festivity like a Halloween party or Thanksgiving dinner. I am not sure it stands on its own, it needs at least some salty snack to provide a contrast or a sweet dessert to pair up with.

Baked Pumpkin Ale by Lancaster Brewing Company, Lancaster, Pennsylvania (7.5 per cent alcohol by volume)--The label describes this as, "Have your pie and drink it too! The bold flavors and deep amber color of our Baked Pumpkin Ale bring to mind freshly baked pumpkin pie." The flavor is not very sweet with more spice than pumpkin in the flavor. Maybe the baking takes some of the sweetness and intensity off the fruit? This tastes to me more like a winter spice ale than a fall pumpkin ale. They did not quite get the pie flavor (though a beer with some aftertaste of crust would be interesting). Not a favorite.

Stingy Jack by Lone Oak Farm Brewing Company, Olney, Maryland (6.5 per cent alcohol by volume)--The label only says, "Belgian Style Pumpkin Ale" with no more description. The company's web site does not provide any more detail. The brew has a creamy feel and a sour aftertaste that is different from the others above. The pumpkin flavor is there but it is not dominant. The spices are good but that weird aftertaste is so strange. I find it a bit off-putting, like a pumpkin pie crust that got a bit burned. Maybe you don't want crust-flavor in your beer. This also is not a favorite. 

Country Pumpkin by Ithaca Beer Company, Ithaca, New York (5.9 per cent alcohol by volume)--The label only has the name and the brewery...not even the ABV! I had to look it up on their web site. The online description says, "Country Pumpkin offers the comforting warmth of Fall. A delightful deep golden-orange glow highlights the subtle sweetness of pumpkin spice and complex, malt-forward flavor with a surprisingly dry finish. A wonderful seasonal ale to curl up with on a cool, crisp Autumn evening." It's light on the spice and on the pumpkin but still has the nice flavor of an amber ale. The spice is enough to give it the autumnal outdoorsy feel, like it would be good at a campfire. But the whole lack of pumpkin flavor is a deal breaker for sure. Slap a new label on it and I'd be happy.

Pumpkinhead by Shipyard Brewing Company, Portland, Maine (4.5 per cent alcohol by volume)--Another label with no description! The web site is much less modest, claiming "The Greatest Pumpkin Beer of All Time. Pumpkinhead is a crisp, refreshing wheat ale with delightful aromatics and subtle spice flavor. To celebrate the fall season, we enhance the pumpkin flavor with a proprietary blend of spices including cinnamon and nutmeg. A proper pint of Pumpkinhead is served in a pint glass rimmed with sugar and cinnamon and often accompanied by a shot of spiced rum or vanilla vodka." Well, I didn't rim my pint glass with sugar and cinnamon and I don't have any spiced rum of vanilla vodka at home, so perhaps I am not getting the optimal experience. I thought it was just okay. The pumpkin and the spices are indeed subtle, giving a little sharpness to the wheat beer base. It drinks smoothly and is quite enjoyable on its own. It might need the extras to make it the "Greatest of All Time," which means it is not the greatest on its own.