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~

One Small Patch Pumpkin Ale for man and one giant Pumking for mankind!

Southern Tier Brewing Company

Imperial Pumking - 8.6%  ABV

Since this is not my first rodeo with Southern Tier I did not think twice about tossing the evil pum-KING into my cart.  I have had most of the Blackwater Series so this gourd had it's seeds cut out for him!

When I first opened the bottle I did not pick up on just one spice or just pumpkin.  It had a slightly sweet smell with a spicy kick.  Once poured,  a wonderful copper color and lightly carbonated ale filled the glass.  The first sip had a smooth start and a bold nutmeg finish.  The spices were not overwhelming and the pumpkin flavor was perfect.  So do not let let the nasty looking pumpkin scare you away...snatch it up before it disappears.

  Oh, and a little FYI...my cousin who LOVES Southern Tier as well said he aged a few bottles of Imperial Pumking for a year and it was incredible! 

Tommyknocker Brewery

Small Patch Pumpkin Harvest Ale - 5% ABV

I decided to stay with the pumpkin theme and Tommyknocker was knocking at my door.  I have had the Maple Nut Brown and the Cocoa Porter by Tommyknocker (both were excellent beers) so why not try the pumpkin ale!

Almost all the pumpkin ales I have been trying have either been deep orange or a light copper color, so imagine my surprise when I poured it into my glass and saw a dark brown hue.  Small Patch Pumpkin had a mild sweetness with a small hint of pumpkin spice, and a faint molasses finish. I also thought it had a mild roasted malt undertone.  Small Patch Pumpkin has definitely balanced the spice and pumpkin flavors.  Actually, it reminded me of the Maple Nut Brown but with a zing.

Small Patch Pumpkin is certainly in a class of it's own from the color down to the molasses finish.  This was a job well done for Tommyknocker's first go around in the pumpkin patch of ales.

So there you have it, two more seasonal brews checked off my list and two more brews you should try. 

Cheers!

~K~