On the banks of the Delaware River, in the quaint town of Lambertville, NJ, you will find River Horse Brewing Company. Run by two former financial advisers who escaped the world of Wall Street to make beer, the craft brewery produces 10 different labels, found in seven Mid-Atlantic states. Half of these – such as their lager, American pale ale and Belgian tripel – are available year-round. The other half are seasonal, and with the beginning of autumnal cooling comes the opportunity to tastes River Horse’s fall offering, Hipp-O-Lantern, a pumpkin ale.

Poured from a 12-oz. bottle into a pint glass, Hipp-O-Lantern looks much like any other pumpkin beer: a dark amber color is topped with a thin white head. Peppery fall scents like coriander and allspice immediately meet the nose, giving more of a spicy fall feeling than a dessert-like character. If you expect a sweet blast of pumpkin pie from your autumn ale, Hipp-O-Lantern is not going to meet your expectation. This recipe is about balance and seasonal aromas that mingle in a unique bouquet, with only a mild sweetness. Considering its pungent flavors, the brew is relatively easy to drink, but after two, the high alcohol content (9% ABV) starts to weigh down the taste.

Pumpkin ales are a great sign of the season to come, heralding Oktoberfests, Halloween parties and enjoyable outdoor gatherings with friends and family. Regionally available, River Horse Brewing Company’s Hipp-O-Lantern is a nice rendition of a great fall style, worthy of going head-to-head with any pumpkin ale on the market.