Grand River Highballer Pumpkin Ale

Tap. Thin, orangey-amber with a bit of head. Thin, mild profile with caramel and raspberry candy notes. Smells a little bit like raspberry vinaigrette, strangely. Clean, but needs a bit more something to it.

On tap at Volo. Good spice in aroma without being overpowering. Darker side of orange, decent sized white head. Body is a little thin and a tad watery. Taste is good - more spice than pumpkin, with some citrus as well. Nowhere close to the Southern Tier Pumpking I had this weekend, and I think I’d give the edge to Great Lakes as well. But still good stuff.

A malty-spicy aroma. A slightly brown appearance with lace and decent head. High carbonation. Sourish taste that barely let out the spices.

This ale poured a dark orange colour with a off white foamy head. To the nose you can smell spices, orange citrus and a little pumpkin pie scent. First taste was smooth and slightly bitter. Nicely carbonated, hoppy with a little spice. Finish is slightly bitter with the spice flavour continued.

Draught sample at C’est What’s 2007 Fall Festival of Craft Breweries. Clear orange-amber, small head. Definite strong pumpkin pie aroma. Body is light. Flavour isn’t as spicy as the aroma would lead you to believe, but still nice, with a bit of citrus in the finish.

Draught. Clear light orange with a small white head. Very fragrant sweet pumpkin aroma, soft spices, and oranges. Soapy, decent palate. Refreshing and unique infusion of pumpkin and peach sweetness with a citric touch. I enjoyed this.
C’est What, Toronto. 2007.09.28

growler from the brewery. pours orange with a small white head and little carbonation. aromas of nutmeg, cinnimon, peach, pumpkin and hops. it is basically liquified autum in a glass. a malt backbone provides the balance for the other flavours to cascade around in a dizzying display of delicious complexity. my wife simply stated "that is the best beer ive ever had!". I wont go as far as that but this is an excellent brew. the continued consistancy of steller top-notch products that come from this brewer and un-matched in this area. 5 for 5 so far! I cant wait for the christmas ale.

Draught. At C’est What Beer thing September 2007. Clear light copper with a small white head. Decent aroma of pumpkin pie spices (not actual pumpkin, really) and light rye. Mild, sweet and spicy flavour, not as pumpkin-y as the aroma - just spicy and sweet. Light, almost watery body, with a very quick finish. This one didn’t impress me that much.