My Pumpkin Porn

Southern Tier Brewery

Imperial Pumking - 8.6% ABV

It is still hot as balls outside but the pumpkin beers are chilled just right!  I know, it is still summer and all the little cherubs are still out of school and Mr. Softee is still taring down the neighborhood streets...but I can't help myself when it comes to pumpkin beer!  Some may say I have an unhealthy obsession with pumpkin beer, but I think that my palate is more sophisticated and I know what GREATNESS tastes like.  True story.

In the past year I have tasted, chugged, overindulged, and just sat back and enjoyed many different pumpkin beers. A few of those beers have made the cut to earn valuable shelf space in my beloved beer fridge, but some will remain in the store to trick some poor unfortunate soul in taking them home.  Sniff...sniff.  

My personal fall lineup

To start my pumpkin reviews I must pay homage to my first love, the PUMKING.  Yes he looks a bit devious and maybe offensive to the faint of heart but he is my lover.  He had me in a trance with the first sip and to be quite honest all the other pumpkin brews are unknowingly compared to him.  A few have held a spot next to the Pumking, but many have failed.  

The Pumking  is produced by Southern Tier Brewing Company located in Lakewood, New York and has grown to produce around 50,000 barrels of beer annually. They are on schedule this year to make over the equivalent of  2 million pints of  Imperial Pumking alone! Apparently I am not the only freako that is smitten over this beer.

Once opened you can smell sweet malts and nutmeg with a hint of pumpkin.  The pumpkin scents pick up as it is poured into my waiting tulip shaped glass.  I probably should pour it gently but my heavy hand created a pretty frothy head that thankfully disappeared rather fast.  What remained in the glass (but not for long) was a copper colored ale with a light carbonation. The first sip is just perfect.  It is smooth, sweet, and is well balanced between the pumpkin and nutmeg.  

I certainly can not recommend this beer anymore than I have so I have left a little pumpkin porn for your viewing pleasure in case you are on the fence.  Cheers!

~K~