Pumpkin Ale Week: Day III

Pumpkin Ale Week begins its third day. I've tried four more lovely pumpkin ales that need to be ranked. I guarantee you that the four beers you will read about today and tomorrow truly belong among the gods.

No. 4: Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale by Smuttynose Brewing Company

I tried this beer during one of my numerous trips to The Library on Pittsburgh's South Side.

Appearance: Smuttynose Pumpkin pours a very dark amber. No, make that a very perfect amber. The head is white, but very thin. It doesn't remain on the top of the beer for very long, but don't worry. You will be distracted by other aspects of this beer.

ABV: 6.0 percent

Smell: With this beer you don't get the sense of any ingredient that completely overtakes the other like I had happen with other pumpkin beers. Smuttynose has the perfect mix of spices and pumpkin, but something was different about it. I didn't realize what it was until I was able to do some further research, but what I couldn't distinguish in the scent was molasses. Wow.

Taste: The taste wasn't much to write home about. It tastes like you expect a good pumpkin beer to, but what was special about this one was the aftertaste. After you take a swig, touch the tongue on the roof of your mouth to taste straight pumpkin.

Overall Rating: Four-of-five stars

Definitely one of the top pumpkin beers out there. Two things set it apart from most: the molasses in the smell and the extreme pumpkin aftertaste. I've never come across either in my adventures.

No. 3: Screamin' Pumpkin Spiced Ale by Michigan Brewing Company

We inch ever closer. Yet another excellent craft beer coming from the great state of Michigan.

Appearance: I wouldn't classify this beer as having an amber tone, even though it comes off as that at first. Take an amber beer, then add some red and pumpkin orange. Then you do this color justice. The head was about a finger's width and stayed there the entire way down. Always a plus with me.

ABV: 6.0 percent

Smell: The spices dominated this beer. You get a fair helping of cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla when you take a whiff. Very pleasant. Keeps you coming back for more.

Taste: I think that this beer is the leading example for how a pumpkin ale should taste. Mostly pumpkin, with just a hint of the spices that dominate the scent. With this beer, you don't get overwhelmed by the strength of the alcohol or a certain spice. The ingredients work together perfectly, just like a relative's pumpkin pie. It's always a good sign when a beer reminds you of a certain food dish.


Overall Rating: Five-of-five stars

I'm in love with this beer. If there is a bar for pumpkin beer, this would be a great standard. Just by the appearance of the beer, you don't want to take your eyes off of it. It's love at first site.