Dogfish Head Punkin Ale

The only way I like to enjoy pumpkin is with a lot of whipped cream and a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. I know you know what I’m talkin’ about. To be honest, I haven’t had a pumpkin ale in ten years, and what I had back then wasn’t memorable. So, I’ve steered clear of the drunken gourd, until today.

I haven’t always enjoyed everything produced by Dogfish Head, but I can appreciate that they are running to the beat of their own drum. Kudos brew masters.

OKAY – THE REVIEW
Weighing in at 7% abv, this beer isn’t winning any biggest pumpkin contests, which I really like. (Remind me to post a rant about double digit abv beers).

COLOR
Amber-brown in coloring, with great clarity. Measuring one inch foam to negotiate glass real estate with your nose.

SMELL
Hits the sweet spot with aromatics. Well balanced with pumpkin, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. I KNOW! NUTMEG! Right?

TASTE
If you like cinnamon, you are going to love this beer. Being a cinnamon-in-my-beer virgin, I thought the brew masters took a risk and it paid off. As the beer tickles your tongue, cinnamon coats the top of your tongue for a nice long finish. Pretty noticeable alcohol after taste. Again, great balance of ale, pumpkin, and spices.

WILL I BUY THIS AGAIN?
Yes, I will buy this again, but I might not go for two Punkin Ales in a row, it might be too much of a good thing, but can definitely have it in the reserves. A great beer to take along to fall festivities or post fall trail run.