Iron Hill Brewery's release of the Imperial Pumpkin Ale

 Iron Hill Brewery

Imperial Pumpkin Ale

8.8% ABV

Finally, I made it to Iron Hill Brewery for their release party of the Imperial Pumpkin Ale.  There was music, pumpkin carving, and Chris (head brewer) walking around in a jack-o-lantern shirt. The restaurant was extremely festive!  You could not help but smile as you were pulled back to the simple childhood days when you heard the band playing the Peanuts theme song.  Ahh, memories. 

When our waitress asked us if we wanted to start with a drink I quickly rattled off three beers to try and a Imperial Pumpkin for me.  You see, my mama came with me and I had to show her why Miller Lite is not worthy.  We tried the Imperial Pumpkin Ale, Pumpkin Ale, and the Scottish Ale again.  I thought the Scottish Ale was light and low enough in ABV so her noggin would not explode.  After trying her samples, my mama went for the Imperial Pumpkin too!  I did try the Pumpkin Ale and it was a little on the bitter side and not as full bodied as the Imperial Pumpkin.

The Imperial Pumpkin is considered to be the BIG BROTHER to the Pumpkin Ale.  It has a fuller body because it is brewed with additional molasses and Belgian candi sugar along with pumpkin spices.  I certainly picked up on the spices and molasses.  It was smooth, a beautiful amber color, and the cascade in the glass made it even more enticing.  My first glass went down so fast that I had to order another so I could savor all the flavors and appreciate Chris' workmanship.  Blah ha ha...I will say anything to get another beer.

Cartoon Christmas Trio

As the music came to an end I saw the table behind me stocking up on beer like Hurricane Irene was on her way back!  Seriously, they were on a mission. They had several growlers and a few bottles of the Great Imperial Pumpkin Ale (Imperial Pumpkin Ale aged in bourbon barrels).  It was my idea of a perfect family portrait...lots of beer, smiles from ear to ear (I am sure the Imperial Pumpkin had a small part in that), and to top it off an adorable little girl with a infectious giggle!

To end my perfect afternoon, I sent my mom home with my daughter and I skipped out of Iron Hill with my son and growler in tow. 

Cheers!

~K~





A Fish, a Pig, and The Second Rising

This past friday Kathleen and I met at Iron Hill Brewery for a long overdue lunch. I was dying to try the new 

seasonal releases - spefically Ironfish, a collaborative brew between Iron Hill and Flying Fish Brewing Co.

 

Our waitress, Nancy, was awesome. Since I told her I was a hoppy girl, she suggested I also try Second Rising, which is their Rising Sun brew with double the hops. She also brought out a sample of the Unassisted Tripel (IBU 35, ABV 9.4%), a smooth, wonderful Belgian ale that balances bitterness with hints of spices and sweet plums. My husband, a loyal Miller Lite drinker (I know), drank an entire growler of this beer 2 years ago on his birthday and passed out on the couch with the jug still in his hand. He he.

Anyway, back to lunch. We started out with 4 samples - Scottish Ale, Unassisted Tripel (mentioned above), Second Rising, and Ironfish. I tasted the Scottish Ale (IBU 14, ABV 3.4%) first (I think). It is a very nice, drinkable ale. And by "drinkable", I mean you can drink several while hanging with friends and family and not be sorry for it the next morning. Smooth and light, with a lovely chestnut color.

The Second Rising (IBU 80, ABV 7%) was next. It was delish, a little citrus-y, with a not too hoppy finish. I loved it. Perfect in-between beer for hop-haters on the edge.

Lovely deep amber color. Sigh. This came second for me, actually, because first I ordered a half-mug of the Ironfish:

Just look at that color. Come. To. Mama.

(Pig Iron Porter in the background)

I have to say this: when I first tasted the sample, I felt as though someone slapped me across the face, hard. And I liked it. This beer is INSAAAANE! And when you read INSAAAANE, please pretend that I (or the voice in your head) is speaking like a WWF commentator. With an IBU of 50 and an ABV of 8.2%. this brew packs a flavorful punch. This is an Imperial Black Belgian IPA with plenty of hoppy bitterness, fruit and spice from Flying Fish's Belgian yeast, and a roast-y finish. Luscious. Perfection, in my opinion. OH, and I would give it a GBF of 8 - after sampling it I deliberated over the menu for 20 minutes, which never happens. Poor Nancy!

Poor Nancy? Poor Nancy?!  Poor Kathleen!!!  I had to taste the Ironfish and just about lost all sensation in my mouth!  Ugh!!  It was N A S T Y!!!  I know I am a hop-hater and love my pumpkin ales right now, but this was taking the hops to another level!  If I do recall, I even gave the glass the finger!  True story! (Yep, true story - I took a pic, but it was blown out. I almost had to peel Kath off of the ceiling! ~ G)

After that holy crap moment I tried the Scottish Ale. Now that is more like it.  Smooth, light, and had a nutty finish.  Gab is right on with the drinkabilty factor.  I can see myself drinking this all afternnoon and not getting too buzzed. 

When "Poor Nancy" geesh, came to take our beer order I went for the good ole' Pig Iron.  It was delivered with a perfect head and it was still dancing in the glass.  The Pig Iron had a malty, coffee, and chocolate flavor that was all very pleasing.  I almost felt like a Pig in...well you know where I was going with that one.  Let's just say This little Piggy was a winner! 

Stay tuned for another review  - we are getting ready to taste the Imperial Pumpkin Ale that Iron Hill is going to release in a few short weeks!  I know I am dusting off my growler to take some home!

Cheers!

~G & K~