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~

Shipyard Pumpkinhead did not set sail this time...

Shipyard Brewery

Pumpkinhead Ale

5.1% ABV

As promised, we were going to keep on reviewing fall brews and I had to try this beer as soon as I saw it on the shelf. I have reviewed and liked  Pugsley's Signature Series Imperial Porter from Shipyard Brewery and mentioned wanting to try their Pumpkinhead Ale.  Well, I waited and waited to see it on the shelves and there it was...and there it should have stayed. 

When I first opened it I could smell spices and a very faint hint of pumpkin.  It had a nice orange tint as I poured it in the glass. The first sip was a shock to my taste buds.  Maybe I was expecting total greatness, or I was hoping for a pumpkin pie flavor to hit my tongue.  What I do know for sure was it was not a winner for me.  It was crisp and spicy with zip. I did not taste pumpkin but a SHIP-load of nutmeg in the finish.   I took another and another sip and I was still not won over.  I was so disappointed!  I did give one beer to my hubs to try and another to my sister in law to see if I was just disappointed rather than a total thumbs down.  My hubs said ehhh and my sister in law liked it so much she grabbed another.  She was also drinking a beer that I swear tasted like Fruity Pebbles so not sure I am going to value her opinion.  Blah ha ha!

Ok, to sum it up I say Pumpkinhead should walk the plank!  I am not going to give up on Shipyard just yet.  I saw they have a Pugsley's Signature Series Smashed Pumpkin with a sweet 9% ABV.  Maybe I have to stick with Pugsley to have a SHIP-shape brew.

If you do wrestle this brew from the plank give me a shout.  I would love to now what you think...maybe you will like it and I will get the name of the beer that tastes like Fruity Pebbles for you too!

Cheers!

~K~

Pugsley's Signature Series

Pugsley's Signature Series

Imperial Porter 7.1% ABV

Shipyard Brewing Co.

This delish Imperial Porter did not fall short of my expectations.  It was full bodied, dark, smooth, and malty.  It was not bitter and had a nice chocolate finish.  Pugsley...you did good!  It is now one of my favorites in my Porter Playbook!  As for the ABV it was just about 7% so it was not quite a knock you on your derriere porter but it did have enough love to make a little happier. 

I would certainly recommend this porter and I am sure I will be trying more from Shipyard!  I did spy the Pumpkinhead Ale and Blue Fin Stout (Classic Irish Stout).  I found this precious porter priced at just a few cents under $7 for 22oz.

For more information on Shipyard you can go to http://www.shipyard.com/. 

If you do end up stepping aboard Shipyards deck let me know what you think!

Cheers!

~K~