 ClarkVV (3547), Allston, Massachusetts, USA
Jan 10, 2008
Draught pint at Sunset Grill on 11/10/07
Frothy, off-white head tops a lightly-hazed, light amber-peach body. Light lacing, moderate retention.
Malts are well presented in the nose, providing light caramel and plentiful vanilla-cream sweetness, with spices working their way in slowly to keep balance. More hops than in most pumpkin beers, with a grassy/leafy, low alpha acid variety providing a crisp, if somewhat confusing supplement of aromatics. Definitely some of the meaty, pumpkin or spice-like character that Beastiefan and IMtheOptimator mention, though it falls off after breathing. No alcohol or flaws (I dont think it’s DMS, rather just some interaction of the spicing). Medium strength of aroma.
Smooth, nearly oily texture presents a fair amount of toffee-caramel-vanilla sweetness, with a dry, almost husky texture towards the end that confounds the palate. Spicing is gentle and definitely tastefully done, while hops are grassy (a bit too much so). I wouldnt say I got fishiness from it, or even a meaty character, but there’s something not quite right here. Carbonation is medium, mostly tight and the beer ends on a dry, crisp, spice/hop note with very little pumpkin flavor. No alcohol noted.
IMtheOptimator (1100), Bethel, Connecticut, USA
Dec 10, 2006 Tap at HalfTime. Poured a clear amber with a small fizzy white head. Aroma of some light grassy hops, sweet cinnamon, molasses, and a touch of nutmeg. Taste is dry and slightly tart with flavors of boiled vegetables and light cinnamon, leading to a slightly dry finish. Virtually no pumpkin in this. A boring, rather flavorless pumpkin ale.
beastiefan2k (1065), Hicksville, New York, USA
Nov 25, 2006 Tap at Halftime. First pour out of the keg. Pours with a small head. Color is copper, completely murky with almost no clarity. Aroma is present, caramel sweetness with wheat-like fishiness and a bit of spice. Taste is nicely sweet, losses that fishy wheat and really doesnt give off any pumpkin. Weird, definitely sweet with a bit of a toasty character, not high on spice.
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