The fall season is upon us. The air begins to feel crisp, the leaves begin to change and the seasonal beers begin to flow out of every brewery.
Everyone has their own little rituals they start to follow. My family and I like to put out all of our Halloween themed items. Candles that smell like nutmeg and vanilla start getting lit. My friend Tom Cruise likes to break out his garden gnome costume. Last year we both dressed up like gnomes and stood in my neighbors yard. They figured me out after the first day. Tom stood there for 3 weeks before they noticed him (they caught him peeing on their rose bushes).
I like the thought of seasonal beers, but unfortunately they rarely live up to expectations. How do you capture the essence of a season and put it in a bottle? I am determined to find a seasonal beer that is worthy of the term “seasonal”.
After much research and debate I have put 3 beers to the challenge:
Shipyard Brewing Co. Pumpkinhead
America’s Original Pumpkin Ale courtesy of Buffalo Bill’s Brewery
All of these beers had very original and distinct flavors. I honestly thought, “They’re all gonna taste like pumpkin!”
I was wrong.
The Shipyard Pumpkinhead had the strongest pumpkin flavor out of all of them. It’s finish was confusing. Full of pumpkinny goodness, but with a very light finish. This is one the non-beer drinkers will like and still be able to talk “beer” with the cool kids. Light beer fans should put this on their “must try” list.
Saranac Pumpkin Ale was exactly what I wanted it to be. This isn’t a bad thing! Pumpkin, nutmeg and hints of vanilla. Very smooth, very drinkable and very reminiscent of the season. It’s a little stronger in its finish and damned tasty.
Finally, America’s Original Pumpkin Ale. I didn’t like this beer after my first sip. After a couple of minutes I still had the hint of pumpkin on my tongue. I went back for a second sip, even more flavor started showing up. This bottle didn’t last long in my house. Don’t make the mistake of chugging this beer. Put a beer mug in the freezer for a couple of hours. Open the beer bottle, then put it back in the fridge for 15 minutes. Pour the beer into the glass and just…enjoy!
I’m not familiar with Buffalo Bill’s Brewery, but they know what they’re doing. This beer is complex, friendly, engaging and damn near perfect. They truly caught the fall season in a bottle and did it justice! After drinking this beer I had a pumpkin smile on my face (Ben Affleck said it best…”Look at the smile on my face. Ear to Ear Baby!!!).
Make sure this fall season you go out a pick up some of these great beers. Maybe one of them will become a staple in your house (If not, I can send over Tom Cruise in the gnome costume!). Remember, it’s never too late to start a holiday tradition.