Jolly Pumpkin Bière de Mars

This copper ale poued with a massive fluffy beige head, eliciting a citrus aroma. There is a sour barnyard flavor with hints of raisin, citrus and spices and a long dry finish. This is not an everyday drink, but is unique and interesting enough for an occasional try.

Birchbeer in color, slightly opaque with a huge light tan head. It smells doughy, and like sweet woody port and raisins and spice. Lively on the palate with medium body. The flavor is sour lemon, then bursts to minimally sweet cherry with snappy hops on the finish. Dry and slightly sour throughout. The most balanced beer from them I’ve had. It’s not terribly complex, but everything is just right, something few beers do well.

Sampled during the First Annual Stone Sour Fest. Earthy aromas. Some tartness on the nose as well. Flavors were citrusy with some spice. Some Alcohol flavors on the finish. Just OK.

Bottle: Hazy bronze, nice white head, nice lacing. Nose of nice fruit and yeast. Rich malts, tart and balanced. Nice belgian. The flavor is nice and malty, tart and hoppy, light caramel dance the tail. Very spicy and a clean nice tartness. Good belgian, yum.

750ml. Jolly Pumpkin has the most amazing labels. I keep saying that but it needs to be reiterated. Pours ruby red with a huge, fluffy, airy white head. Amazing lace. Aroma is cinnamon apple cider, JP funk, apple pie, spicy goodness. Spicy, smooth, tingly mouthfeel. Very drinkable. Not as sour or funky as I’d expect. A bit peppery. Not one of my favorite Jolly Pumpkin’s but good nonetheless.

750 ml bottle from MrBendo. Mostly clear orange pour with a big tan head. The head is very lasting, sustained almost the entire beer. Aroma is barnyard funk and sweet citrus. Taste is not nearly as sour as I had expected though it is nicely grainy and earthy. The citrus is in on the middle then blends nicely to the sour in the finish. The sour faded quite a bit as this warmed. Very refreshing beer. Thanks Todd.

7/12/2007: Jolly Pumpkin Bière de Mars is dark amber-brown in color and has a foamy beige head. The aroma reveals yeast and oak. The flavor is sugary with lots of complexity including dark and dried fruits, spice (nutmeg and cinnamon?), bread, and berries. The flavor is also sour, musty, and dry all at the same time! It is really a great combination of flavors. This beer feels hightly carbonated in the mouth. I look forward to having this beer again in future.

750 mL capped bottle shared by tish. Thanks for stopping by Tish. It was good to meet you for the first time! Rating #183 for this beer... Rating: 7 4 7 3 15 = 3.6



6/06/2008: Biere de Mars (French Style Stock Ale) pours a hay amber color with a foamy beige head. The yeasty aroma has the usual Jolly Pumpkin mustiness along with a prounounced cherry-like presence and hints of vanilla and brown sugar. The flavor is somewhat dry overall (especially through the finish), but it is nicely balanced and complex. The recipe for the flavor includes: caramel maltiness, brown sugar, sour cherry, red wine, a sprinkle of something floral like perfume, some oft oakiness, yeast, a touch of vinegar, toasted bread, and weak char. The aroma is a bit more sweet than the flavor and the sour/tart/acicic qualities subside and mellow out as the beer warms. This beer has a medium body and a pretty smooth mouthfeel due to the fine carbonation. Overall this beer tastes a lot like I would image Fall would taste like if one could capture it in a bottle. For some reason in conjures images of fallen leaves and roasted acorns in my mind... Anyways, it is quite good with a refreshing level of tartness balanced by a firm level of maltiness. Delicious!

1 pt. 9.4 fl. oz bottle (7% Alc/Vol) from River’s Bend Wine and Spirits in Maineville, Ohio ($8.99+tax). Rating: 8 7 8 3 16 = 3.8

750 mL bottle from Stone. Opaque caramel brown with a creamy white head. Vanilla and caramel aroma. Slightly bitter wood and vanilla taste transitioning to a smooth oaky finish.