Spirit Cruises January 2023 Leaderboard

8 Pumpkin Ales for the Season

by Chase Harrison on Oct 5, 2011 in Roundups
8 Pumpkin Ales for the Season

The polarizing-but-celebrated fall beer style known as pumpkin ale is back in season.  Some say it’s blasphemy to poison our beloved brew with nutmeg and brown sugar, but I say bring it on, at least for a month or two out of the year.  Below I take a look at a selection of popular offerings.

Arcadia Jaw-Jacker: The tooth-baring pumpkin shown on the label is deceiving, as this “pumpkin ale” is actually not brewed with pumpkin. Many of the other familiar spices are present and noticeable which makes a for a pumpkin-esque ale that is a change of pace from what some may be used to (6% ABV).

New Holland Ichabod Pumpkin: The striking, dark label that depicts the headless horseman is one of the more impressive fall beer labels. The ratio of nutmeg and cinnamon to other spices and the actual pumpkin flavor is different than others which makes this ale better suited for drinkers who want less pumpkin in their lives (5.5% ABV).

Smuttynose Pumpkin: This beer places less of an emphasis on spices than many others. Like Arcadia, the brewers used pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin meat but the difference is faint. Unlike the imperial ales, this serves as an easily drinkable "session" pumpkin ale (5.6% ABV).

Fegley’s Brew Works Devious Imperial Pumpkin: A high-alcohol imperial with kick.  Unlike some of the others in this vein, however, Devious lacks a full-bodied flavor to go along with its boozy content (9% ABV).

River Horse Hipp-O-Lantern Imperial: One of the better and stronger offerings in this category. The pumpkin and cinnamon flavor is intense but not too extreme and the high alcohol content means the beer is deserving of the “imperial ale” classification (9% ABV).

Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin: This is one of the more overpowering pumpkin ales, in the best way possible. The spices and floral scents are not as strong as many other imperial pumpkin beers, which makes the actual pumpkin flavor all the more hard-hitting (8% ABV).

Southern Tier Pumking: Pumking arguably tastes more like pumpkin pie than any others on the market. If you pay enough attention, you notice a hint of pie crust to go along with the usual cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin flavors. The flavor kick is almost overwhelming and the beer is also quite creamy, sweet, and just downright delicious (8.6% ABV).

Dogfish Head Punkin: The standard by which all pumpkin beers are measured.  Every year, the recipe changes slightly, but it has yet to cause a dip in quality for one of the Delaware brewery’s most popular beers. Unlike many brews of this style – which just use puree – Dogfish Head’s brown ale is brewed with fresh pumpkin meat (7% ABV).


Tags: Beer
Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Canada's Next Level Response to Tariffs Removes All U.S. Wine & Spirits From the Shelves

Canada's Next Level Response to Tariffs Removes All U.S. Wine & Spirits From the Shelves

Part of Canada's response, their retaliation, to the tariffs imposed on Canadian goods coming into the U.S. ha...read more ›

by Lew Bryson Mar 17, 2025
Philadelphia Craft Ice Co: Inside Look at the Ice Elevating Philly's Cocktail Scene

Philadelphia Craft Ice Co: Inside Look at the Ice Elevating Philly's Cocktail Scene

Philadelphia Craft Ice is the first artisanal ice company in Philly focused on elevating the quality of cockta...read more ›

by Drink Philly Mar 9, 2025
The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

Have you ever dreamed of having an amazing home bar, filled with bottles you actually use and the tools you need to execute a fine crafted cocktail? E...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Nov 14, 2014
SPONSORED
Spirit Cruises January 2023 Desktop Bottom Rectangle 1
Franklin Mortgage Launches Pop-up Flower Shop & Speakeasy for Flower Show, March 2-8

Franklin Mortgage Launches Pop-up Flower Shop & Speakeasy for Flower Show, March 2-8

The Franklin Mortgage in Rittenhouse is transforming their entire space into a pop-up flower shop featuring a ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 25, 2025
Local Winery Spotlight: Vox Vineti Wines

Local Winery Spotlight: Vox Vineti Wines

Ed Lazzerini says his goal is clear - to make world class wine in Pennsylvania. From the taste of it, he is well on his way. ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Nov 21, 2020
The 12th Annual Philly Bierfest Celebrates the Rich History of Brewing German-Style Beers in Pennsylvania, February 22

The 12th Annual Philly Bierfest Celebrates the Rich History of Brewing German-Style Beers in Pennsylvania, February 22

The German Society of Philadelphia's 12 Annual Bierfest returns February 22 with a selection of over 50 German...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Feb 18, 2025
Behind the Bar: Solomon Thomas - Ambassador, Bartender, & Industry Community Advocate

Behind the Bar: Solomon Thomas - Ambassador, Bartender, & Industry Community Advocate

In this segment of Behind the Bar, we get a chance to speak with bartender and industry community advocate, So...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 4, 2025
Best Oktoberfests, Festivals, Block Parties & Halloween Events to Celebrate Fall in Philly

Best Oktoberfests, Festivals, Block Parties & Halloween Events to Celebrate Fall in Philly

Crisp weather and shorter days bring a variety of autumn events to Philadelphia. From yacht parties to haunted...read more ›

by Drink Philly Sep 15, 2024
Bar Palmina: Inside Look at Fishtown's Newest No-Alcohol Bar

Bar Palmina: Inside Look at Fishtown's Newest No-Alcohol Bar

One of the hottest new cocktail spots to hit the Fishtown neighborhood serves cocktails with no alcohol at all...read more ›

by Drink Philly Sep 11, 2024
Rittenhouse Goes Car-Free Every Sunday in September: Here are the Best Bars to Hit

Rittenhouse Goes Car-Free Every Sunday in September: Here are the Best Bars to Hit

Center City District will close the streets allowing pedestrians to enjoy outdoor seating, music, and activiti...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Sep 6, 2024
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close