A UFO on my patio on a Sunday Afternoon

Harpoon Brewery - Harpoon's Unfiltered Offerings

UFO Pumpkin - 5.9% ABV

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon the Mr. and I wanted to kick back, fend off the mosquitoes, and enjoy a nice fall brew.  We decided on an unfiltered gem produced by Harpoon Brewery.  Typically I am not a unfiltered kinda gal but Rob swore to me that this was not like the others.  I do not say this often, and I am sure he is not going to read this blog entry, so I will say...he is right.  There I said it,  and I shall never speak of it again.

As soon as I flipped off the cap, the bottle released a subtle, yet inviting aroma.  It was of pumpkin and sweet malts. Ahhh, my lovely Munich malts, how I love thee.  I poured the beer with total reckless abandonment primarily because I was thirsty and did not want to waste any more time!  Beer does get warm in August pretty fast.  Just sayin.  

Since the beer was poured into the glass with no caution it produced a rather high foamy head.  It did not grace the top of the beer for long so it was not a disaster.  What the head did leave behind was a gorgeous amber colored beer with a slight haze.  The smell of spices and pumpkin were now more prevalent but still not overwhelming.  

The taste and feel of the beer was just as it looked and smelled.  It was smooth and had a mildly sweet start with a perfect finish of pumpkin pie spices.  Again, it was not overwhelming in the spices or as bold as the Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin, but it worked for what I was expecting and wanted to drink.

This is going to definitely remain in my fall line up and I am sure there are a few more pumpkin beers left for me to discover.  So, until then...I will leave you with a little song to get you all in the pumpkin mood. 

Cheers!!!!

~K~

Shipyard Pugsley's Signature Series - Smashed Pumpkin' - Not So Smashing.

Shipyard Brewing Company

Pugsley's Signature Series

Smashed Pumpkin - 9% ABV

On an earlier review of Shipyard's Pumpkinhead I mentioned my quest to try

Pugsley's Signature Series - Smashed Pumpkin.   I have liked the Signature Series in the past and I thought the Smashed Pumpkin would not disappoint.  My quest was done in vain.

I knew I was not going to be blown away as soon as I opened the bottle.  I did not pick up on any particular spice...or any spice!  Once poured with a heavy hand the head was about one inch high. The color had a hazy orange hue with dancing bubbles running up the glass. 

According to the bottle's description the beer has a big-bodied beer...not so much in my opinion.  I thought it was on the lighter side and lacked the level of greatness I was expecting.  This beer is not by any means Miller Lite quality but as a craft beer it was a miss. 

Shipyard once again made me want to jump ship!!!  No SHIP!  It was better than the fruity pebble Pumpkinhead but it took on water next to Southern Tier's Pumking.


Cheers!
~K~

A preview of our Fall Reviews!

 Weyerbacher - Imperial Pumpkin Ale

8% ABV

Kath - It has been a long time since the weather was actually nice enough to sit outside and not have your skin spontaneously combust, so Gab and I celebrated with a little sampling of some fall beers.  Gab's Dad took the journey to Easton, Pa. and returned with liquid love!  I so mean that too!!!  We first opened the Imperial Pumpkin.  As soon as I popped the cap the smell of pumpkin spices filled my kitchen.  Once poured into a glass the color was dreamy.  A perfect amber color and the aroma was dancing all around my nose.  I took a quick picture and then...the first taste.  It was...PERFECT! It had the balance of spices, pumpkin, and malt.  I wish I could describe it better for you, but words would not do the beer justice.  I was in love with a beer.  Sad, but true.  It was not only tasty it gives you a sweet buzz! 8% ABV is not shabby, in the least.  If you want to give this a chance act now because it is seasonal and it may be all gone by October!  Weyerbacher also notes that this particular seasonal brew ages very well...if you can have some self control to save it for the holidays. 

Gab - I cannot think of a better fireside beer.Think chiminea, cozy sweaters, great company and even better conversations. Gorgeous color, equally satisfying taste. I am not one to prefer fruits and veggies mixed with my beer, but this is an absolute must-buy for Fall and Winter. The spices are an after-note, NOT overwhelming, but perfectly complimentary to this fantastic beer. We will be trying this again with cinnamon and sugar-coated glasses!



Weyerbacher - Old Heathen

Russian Imperial Stout

8% ABV

Gab - Those of you who know me, know that this is my #1 favorite kind of beer. It is malty, a little heavy yet soft in the mouth, completely delicious. Old Heathen is fabulous, but I must say that Heresy is my all-time favorite. It is the delicious Old Heathen (Imperial Stout), but Weyerbacher ages it in Maker's Mark oak barrels to create a flavor that is beyond rich and satisfying. It blows my mind, no joke! I am beyond thrilled that Old Heathen is available year-round! And Heresy is my go-to beer, when I can get my hands on it!

Kath - Ahhhh, the good ole' Russian Imperial Stout.  I love these kinds of beers.  I love the richness and how smooth these beers pour and just roll over my tongue.  I would certainly recommend this stout and I would get it again.  I had a beautiful dark color with hints of chocolate and malt scents.  This is available all year and it is not bad on a cool night in either April or November.  There is one beer a step above this made from this Russian number - Heresy. Heresy has a rich oak flavor mixed with vanilla and a dash of bourbon.  Simply amazing.  Heresy is available from February to March.



So there you have our initial preview of fall beers. We may be taking one brewery at a time, or jumping around, so please bear with us. We will have a long list of brews to review and if you have a Fall/Winter fave...PLEASE give us a shout! 

Cheers!

~ G & K ~