Pumpkin Ale | Smuttynose Brewing Company
Brewed by:
Smuttynose Brewing Company
New Hampshire, United States
smuttynose.com
Style: Pumpkin Beer
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 6.50%
Availability: Fall
Notes / Commercial Description:
Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale is our homage to the craft and heritage of America’s brewers. Recipes calling for the use of pumpkins in beer date back to early colonial times, when brewers sought to extend their supply of costly imported malt with locally grown ingredients, such as squash and “pompions.”
In that spirit, we brew our ale with the addition of pumpkin to the mash, along with traditional spices to create a delicious American original.
45 IBU
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Reviews: 866
| Ratings: 1,929
3.46/5 rDev -7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
From notes 10/31/11: Pours a murky orange tinged pale amber with a large off-white, lasting head that leaves a nice coating of lace as it recedes. Aroma is more yellow squash-like than pumpkin, roasted malt, caramel, sweet with a metallic hint. Taste is pumpkin, ginger and faint clove in that order. Spicy finish.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
From notes 10/31/11: Pours a murky orange tinged pale amber with a large off-white, lasting head that leaves a nice coating of lace as it recedes. Aroma is more yellow squash-like than pumpkin, roasted malt, caramel, sweet with a metallic hint. Taste is pumpkin, ginger and faint clove in that order. Spicy finish.
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3.75/5 rDev +0.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a Dogfish Head tulip
L: Slightly cloudy golden orange pour with 2 fingers of white head. Nice lacing.
S: Smells like a pumpkin beer. Pumpkin pie and spice.
T/F: Toasted malts... earthy grains and pumpkin up front. The usual spices... nutmeg, clove, and ginger. Not overpowering at least.. some tangyness to the flavor and hopping for bitterness. Not the dreaded 'pumpkin soda' which is a positive. Medium to light bodied... fairly smooth.
O: A decent pumpkin beer... not too spicy or offensive, and I could handle one of these on occasion.
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look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a Dogfish Head tulip
L: Slightly cloudy golden orange pour with 2 fingers of white head. Nice lacing.
S: Smells like a pumpkin beer. Pumpkin pie and spice.
T/F: Toasted malts... earthy grains and pumpkin up front. The usual spices... nutmeg, clove, and ginger. Not overpowering at least.. some tangyness to the flavor and hopping for bitterness. Not the dreaded 'pumpkin soda' which is a positive. Medium to light bodied... fairly smooth.
O: A decent pumpkin beer... not too spicy or offensive, and I could handle one of these on occasion.
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3.75/5 rDev +0.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Poured from 12oz bottle into standard Pint glass. Best before February 2nd, 2018.
L: Hazy orange, half finger off-white head has decent retention.
S: Pumpkin, brown sugar and clove. Nice.
T: Follows the nose well, pretty good.
F: Light, crisp, lingering pumpkin flavor.
O: Good pumpkin beer.
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look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Poured from 12oz bottle into standard Pint glass. Best before February 2nd, 2018.
L: Hazy orange, half finger off-white head has decent retention.
S: Pumpkin, brown sugar and clove. Nice.
T: Follows the nose well, pretty good.
F: Light, crisp, lingering pumpkin flavor.
O: Good pumpkin beer.
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3.84/5 rDev +3.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
A decently bitter, pumpkiny pale ale. Plenty of earthy bitter hops balance the pumpkin flavors and caramel malts so that it's not overwhelmed by spices and sweetness. Noticeable pumpkin squash character, not just spices.
Overall pretty good.
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
A decently bitter, pumpkiny pale ale. Plenty of earthy bitter hops balance the pumpkin flavors and caramel malts so that it's not overwhelmed by spices and sweetness. Noticeable pumpkin squash character, not just spices.
Overall pretty good.
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3.24/5 rDev -12.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3
Cloudy dark orange, amber color. Around a medium body and just above average carbonation .
Aroma is mostly the base beer, malt, cereal , grain, spices, allspjce, and pumpkin puree
Taste is similar to nose but the spice, which wasn't overwhelming in the aroma was dominant in the taste . As it warms the spice takes over even more. This is not a sweet pumpkin beer, more dry and actually was a little sour . The spice left a biting aftertaste that lingers awhile .
Overall it's okay but wasn't one of my favorite fall seasonal beers
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3
Cloudy dark orange, amber color. Around a medium body and just above average carbonation .
Aroma is mostly the base beer, malt, cereal , grain, spices, allspjce, and pumpkin puree
Taste is similar to nose but the spice, which wasn't overwhelming in the aroma was dominant in the taste . As it warms the spice takes over even more. This is not a sweet pumpkin beer, more dry and actually was a little sour . The spice left a biting aftertaste that lingers awhile .
Overall it's okay but wasn't one of my favorite fall seasonal beers
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2.09/5 rDev -43.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2
There is a small stamp on the top center of the front label in black ink that says: "BEST BEFORE 02-02-19 ABV 6.0%"
Appearance: It has a hazy golden body with a few suspended solids. The head starts rocky and white but very quickly drops out to a sheet of creamy foam with large bubbles across the surface. There isn't any head retention on this beer but it leaves some nice lacing.
Aroma: I am picking up a very, very faint aroma of allspice. Most of the time while smelling the beer I can't tell if I'm actually smelling anything or if I'm imagining it. It is extremely underwhelming for a beer that is traditionally spiced. Double checking the label, this does say this is an "ALE BREWED WITH PUMPKIN PUREE & SPICES."
Taste: Up front I'm getting some allspice and some clove, then I get this weird flavor that tastes like minty and slightly lemony hops. The beer tapers off with this strong lime flavor and an oddly bitter end.
Mouthfeel: The beer feels to bitter which both hampers the drinkability of the beer and gives it an unpleasant and unwelcome confluence of character.
Overall: It wasn't a very enjoyable beer to drink. The spice combination might have been off on this beer but the lemon and lime character really throws this one for a loop. Did somebody think this was a good idea or was it an accident? Who knows; it just isn't an enjoyable beer. Given the opportunity to drink this or an average non-seasonal beer I would rather pick the latter.
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look: 3.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2
There is a small stamp on the top center of the front label in black ink that says: "BEST BEFORE 02-02-19 ABV 6.0%"
Appearance: It has a hazy golden body with a few suspended solids. The head starts rocky and white but very quickly drops out to a sheet of creamy foam with large bubbles across the surface. There isn't any head retention on this beer but it leaves some nice lacing.
Aroma: I am picking up a very, very faint aroma of allspice. Most of the time while smelling the beer I can't tell if I'm actually smelling anything or if I'm imagining it. It is extremely underwhelming for a beer that is traditionally spiced. Double checking the label, this does say this is an "ALE BREWED WITH PUMPKIN PUREE & SPICES."
Taste: Up front I'm getting some allspice and some clove, then I get this weird flavor that tastes like minty and slightly lemony hops. The beer tapers off with this strong lime flavor and an oddly bitter end.
Mouthfeel: The beer feels to bitter which both hampers the drinkability of the beer and gives it an unpleasant and unwelcome confluence of character.
Overall: It wasn't a very enjoyable beer to drink. The spice combination might have been off on this beer but the lemon and lime character really throws this one for a loop. Did somebody think this was a good idea or was it an accident? Who knows; it just isn't an enjoyable beer. Given the opportunity to drink this or an average non-seasonal beer I would rather pick the latter.
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4.67/5 rDev +25.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
One of the best pumpkin ales I have ever had the pleasure of drinking. I learned over the years that it is easy to mess up a pumpkin beer. Some are either too watered down tasting like a cheap macro lager. Some don't even use any real pumpkins at all so the beer taste artificially sweet like a pumpkin soda. Some are just way too over spiced and close to undrinkable. If your looking for a healthy pumpkiny vegetal type of beer during the fall/winter season then this is the beer for you. Beware! this is not one of those sweet type of pumpkin ales this is a healthy pumpkin ale made with real pumpkin puree. No need to look any further. Pumpkins have vitamins & minerals plus the barley, hops, and water which is all good for you too so I say this because I am sick of hearing people bashing on beer for being bad for your health. Cheers! A-
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look: 3.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
One of the best pumpkin ales I have ever had the pleasure of drinking. I learned over the years that it is easy to mess up a pumpkin beer. Some are either too watered down tasting like a cheap macro lager. Some don't even use any real pumpkins at all so the beer taste artificially sweet like a pumpkin soda. Some are just way too over spiced and close to undrinkable. If your looking for a healthy pumpkiny vegetal type of beer during the fall/winter season then this is the beer for you. Beware! this is not one of those sweet type of pumpkin ales this is a healthy pumpkin ale made with real pumpkin puree. No need to look any further. Pumpkins have vitamins & minerals plus the barley, hops, and water which is all good for you too so I say this because I am sick of hearing people bashing on beer for being bad for your health. Cheers! A-
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3.49/5 rDev -6.2%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
12 oz bottle. Pours a clear amber with a medium white head. Aroma is pumpkin, caramel, nutmeg, cinnamon. Taste is medium sweet pumpkin and malt, light bitter with dry earthy spices. Finish is spicy, light bitter. Medium bodied, medium carbonation.
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look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
12 oz bottle. Pours a clear amber with a medium white head. Aroma is pumpkin, caramel, nutmeg, cinnamon. Taste is medium sweet pumpkin and malt, light bitter with dry earthy spices. Finish is spicy, light bitter. Medium bodied, medium carbonation.
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2.84/5 rDev -23.7%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.75
DATE: November 2, 2017... OCCASION: last practice of soccer 2017--a beautiful night... GLASSWARE: Abita pint... pours a somewhat murky river-yellow orange, with a ring of fleeting off-white head that shows meager foam clinging to the glass... cinnamon, nutmeg, biscuit malts, pumpkin, yes, and some earthiness--underwhelming, but at least detectable... mellow, soft and fuzzy mouthfeel, one that leaves a syrupy sweet finish... drinkable, smooth and coating... the cinnamon and nutmeg are not demonstrative... apple and pear offer residual... almost reads as a lager... borderlines as a fruit beer, and not representative of its 45 IBUs either... with so many full-flavored fall seasonals available, this doesn't really move the needle....
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look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.75
DATE: November 2, 2017... OCCASION: last practice of soccer 2017--a beautiful night... GLASSWARE: Abita pint... pours a somewhat murky river-yellow orange, with a ring of fleeting off-white head that shows meager foam clinging to the glass... cinnamon, nutmeg, biscuit malts, pumpkin, yes, and some earthiness--underwhelming, but at least detectable... mellow, soft and fuzzy mouthfeel, one that leaves a syrupy sweet finish... drinkable, smooth and coating... the cinnamon and nutmeg are not demonstrative... apple and pear offer residual... almost reads as a lager... borderlines as a fruit beer, and not representative of its 45 IBUs either... with so many full-flavored fall seasonals available, this doesn't really move the needle....
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3.8/5 rDev +2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Appearance - murky bronze colored body with white head
Smell - pumpkin flesh, cinnamon, clove
Taste - cinnamon, pumpkin flesh, clove
Mouthfeel - medium bodied, high carbonation, cinnamon upfront, hoppy on the back end
Overall - decent pumpkin ale here that is worth a shot
price Point - $1.99/12 oz single
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Appearance - murky bronze colored body with white head
Smell - pumpkin flesh, cinnamon, clove
Taste - cinnamon, pumpkin flesh, clove
Mouthfeel - medium bodied, high carbonation, cinnamon upfront, hoppy on the back end
Overall - decent pumpkin ale here that is worth a shot
price Point - $1.99/12 oz single
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3.9/5 rDev +4.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
This pumpkin ale pours a fairly light orange color with a somewhat thin white frothy head. The smell is of pumpkin, spices, and some light bready malts. The smell of pumpkin is dominant, but it's not overwhelming and it isn't artificial. The taste is similar, but pumpkin really works with the malts rather than dominating it as some pumpkin ales do. There is also some hoppy bitterness to the finish that balances it out. The body is medium. A pretty finely crafted pumpkin ale that manages to taste like a beer accented with pumpkin rather than a pumpkin drink. I think it is underrated.
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look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
This pumpkin ale pours a fairly light orange color with a somewhat thin white frothy head. The smell is of pumpkin, spices, and some light bready malts. The smell of pumpkin is dominant, but it's not overwhelming and it isn't artificial. The taste is similar, but pumpkin really works with the malts rather than dominating it as some pumpkin ales do. There is also some hoppy bitterness to the finish that balances it out. The body is medium. A pretty finely crafted pumpkin ale that manages to taste like a beer accented with pumpkin rather than a pumpkin drink. I think it is underrated.
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3.74/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Bottle poured into glass
Deep amber, unfiltered, no lacings, bubbles ring the edge
Malt, pumpkin, adjunct aroma, pumpkin pie
Malt followed by pumpkin taste
Medium sudsing, dry finish
Nice beer
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Bottle poured into glass
Deep amber, unfiltered, no lacings, bubbles ring the edge
Malt, pumpkin, adjunct aroma, pumpkin pie
Malt followed by pumpkin taste
Medium sudsing, dry finish
Nice beer
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4/5 rDev +7.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Most of the time, this was poured into mugs and nonic pint glasses.
Here's my observations based on over having this at least 20 times in my life.
The appearance was a glossy looking copper color with a finger's worth of white foamy head that slid off at a moderate pace. Sliding lace.
The aroma had more of a "pumpkin" flesh-like sweetness with a lighter brown sugar contour to involve itself with a nice dose of ginger, allspice and cinnamon for a nice balance.
The flavor was pretty well balanced between the sweet pumpkin flesh and the previously mentioned spices to grip the aftertaste in a pretty well balanced sort of way.
The mouthfeel was almost medium bodied with a fair sessionability about it. Carbonation felt great and seemed to subjugate the spices appropriately without any sort of overbearing quality. ABV felt as projected by the brewer.
Overall, when I want a pumpkin ale to reach for, normally in Autumn, this is one I that I tend to look for.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Most of the time, this was poured into mugs and nonic pint glasses.
Here's my observations based on over having this at least 20 times in my life.
The appearance was a glossy looking copper color with a finger's worth of white foamy head that slid off at a moderate pace. Sliding lace.
The aroma had more of a "pumpkin" flesh-like sweetness with a lighter brown sugar contour to involve itself with a nice dose of ginger, allspice and cinnamon for a nice balance.
The flavor was pretty well balanced between the sweet pumpkin flesh and the previously mentioned spices to grip the aftertaste in a pretty well balanced sort of way.
The mouthfeel was almost medium bodied with a fair sessionability about it. Carbonation felt great and seemed to subjugate the spices appropriately without any sort of overbearing quality. ABV felt as projected by the brewer.
Overall, when I want a pumpkin ale to reach for, normally in Autumn, this is one I that I tend to look for.
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3.6/5 rDev -3.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Pretty good pumpkin ale. Pours a bright orange color, very hazy with a medium size off white head and medium patches of filmy lacing. Head retention is better than average. Aroma and taste feature actual pumpkin and some mild pumpkin spicing, A fairly decent beer without annoying potpourri spicing. Mouthfeel is rich and slightly sweet. Well worth a try.
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Pretty good pumpkin ale. Pours a bright orange color, very hazy with a medium size off white head and medium patches of filmy lacing. Head retention is better than average. Aroma and taste feature actual pumpkin and some mild pumpkin spicing, A fairly decent beer without annoying potpourri spicing. Mouthfeel is rich and slightly sweet. Well worth a try.
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4/5 rDev +7.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a copper orange color that is semi hazy and has visible carbonation. A modest sudsy cap retains well.
Typical pumpkin ale aroma consisting of pumpkin pie, cinnamon and nutmeg. Sweet, pleasant and evocative of thanksgiving.
The taste is initially spicy and has some prickliness in the mouthfeel from both the carbonation, spices and hops. Yet, the finish starts out sweet. Soon a sweet coating of pumpkin, brown sugar and caramel malt envelops the tongue. The clove and nutmeg provide balance. As the drink moves along, a herbal hops finish that lingers provides a moderate touch of bitter pine.
The body is medium. The carbonation settles and the brew becomes smooth.
Easy to drink. A nice flavorful and balanced pumpkin ale. I give it 4s across the board.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a copper orange color that is semi hazy and has visible carbonation. A modest sudsy cap retains well.
Typical pumpkin ale aroma consisting of pumpkin pie, cinnamon and nutmeg. Sweet, pleasant and evocative of thanksgiving.
The taste is initially spicy and has some prickliness in the mouthfeel from both the carbonation, spices and hops. Yet, the finish starts out sweet. Soon a sweet coating of pumpkin, brown sugar and caramel malt envelops the tongue. The clove and nutmeg provide balance. As the drink moves along, a herbal hops finish that lingers provides a moderate touch of bitter pine.
The body is medium. The carbonation settles and the brew becomes smooth.
Easy to drink. A nice flavorful and balanced pumpkin ale. I give it 4s across the board.
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3.47/5 rDev -6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Smuttynose Pumpkin pours a festive burnt orange color with a large 4 fingered head, leaving lots of lace behind in spots and speckles.
Aromas of nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon. Some wood and malts behind that.
The flavor is a tad antiseptic, but incorporates the nutmeg and cinnamon aspects pretty well, along with ginger wafers, mixed in with dirty water. Finishes out with a hop bite and cinnamon.
Feel is very carbonated, with a semi dry parch.
Overall, not really that great. I was expecting more. The nose was the best part, easily.
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look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Smuttynose Pumpkin pours a festive burnt orange color with a large 4 fingered head, leaving lots of lace behind in spots and speckles.
Aromas of nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon. Some wood and malts behind that.
The flavor is a tad antiseptic, but incorporates the nutmeg and cinnamon aspects pretty well, along with ginger wafers, mixed in with dirty water. Finishes out with a hop bite and cinnamon.
Feel is very carbonated, with a semi dry parch.
Overall, not really that great. I was expecting more. The nose was the best part, easily.
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3.74/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Amber orange in color. Somewhat hazy in appearance. minimal head. Pumpkin flesh, heavy on the nutmeg and ginger. Medium bodied. Fairly bitter, dry is finish. Eh.
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Amber orange in color. Somewhat hazy in appearance. minimal head. Pumpkin flesh, heavy on the nutmeg and ginger. Medium bodied. Fairly bitter, dry is finish. Eh.
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3.97/5 rDev +6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Pours a vibrant, pumpkin orange color with a one finger off white head.
Really pleasant aroma. Vegetal and grasssy. Sweet with notes of graham crackers, cinnamon and ginger. Has a mellow, slightly soapy, potpourri smell in the back.
I remember liking this more when I last tasted it. The beer has a spicy, bitter, vaguely sweet and overtly dry flavor to it. I'm getting coriander, orange peel, graham cracker, ginger, cinnamon and dry, floral, soapy hops.
The taste is good but one negative thing I have to say is for whatever reason a cheesy, sometimes metallic taste on the aftertaste rears it's ugly head as you drink.
Feel is light in body with medium carbonation.
This is a little too dry for my taste with a sometimes offputting soapy/metalic flavor. I can overlook those minor flaws, but as a whole I tend to like a slightly more malty and less bitter pumpkin ale in general.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Pours a vibrant, pumpkin orange color with a one finger off white head.
Really pleasant aroma. Vegetal and grasssy. Sweet with notes of graham crackers, cinnamon and ginger. Has a mellow, slightly soapy, potpourri smell in the back.
I remember liking this more when I last tasted it. The beer has a spicy, bitter, vaguely sweet and overtly dry flavor to it. I'm getting coriander, orange peel, graham cracker, ginger, cinnamon and dry, floral, soapy hops.
The taste is good but one negative thing I have to say is for whatever reason a cheesy, sometimes metallic taste on the aftertaste rears it's ugly head as you drink.
Feel is light in body with medium carbonation.
This is a little too dry for my taste with a sometimes offputting soapy/metalic flavor. I can overlook those minor flaws, but as a whole I tend to like a slightly more malty and less bitter pumpkin ale in general.
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3.16/5 rDev -15.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
Drank from a bottle. The cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg are overpowering and not balanced. It feels clean and refreshing, but I wasn't t too impressed with it otherwise.
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look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
Drank from a bottle. The cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg are overpowering and not balanced. It feels clean and refreshing, but I wasn't t too impressed with it otherwise.
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4.13/5 rDev +11%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
L -- Nice pale amber with a light head
S -- Pumpkin pie spice and hops
T -- An excellent balance of pumpkin, spices, and a classic, mildly hoppy IPA taste
F -- Crisp and light
O -- A good first pumpkin ale of the season to have. Well worth the $10/6-pack
83/100
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
L -- Nice pale amber with a light head
S -- Pumpkin pie spice and hops
T -- An excellent balance of pumpkin, spices, and a classic, mildly hoppy IPA taste
F -- Crisp and light
O -- A good first pumpkin ale of the season to have. Well worth the $10/6-pack
83/100
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4.2/5 rDev +12.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Bought this twelve pack at my local distributor. Wanted to wait until fall to drink it, but couldn't wait (August). Nice warmer for the cooler fall days!
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Bought this twelve pack at my local distributor. Wanted to wait until fall to drink it, but couldn't wait (August). Nice warmer for the cooler fall days!
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4/5 rDev +7.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Appearance: Hazy medium orange, with a moderate, somewhat coarse off-white head, with good retention. Thick, fine-beaded lacing coats the glass walls.
Aroma: Prominent pumpkin pie spices dominate the aroma. Roasted pumpkin rind vies with cinnamon and cloves for an aroma that typifies autumn.
Taste: Begins with tangy, mildly sour notes of earth, roasted pumpkin, and bread flavors. Soon after, a flourish of pumpkin pie spices, mainly cinnamon and cloves present. Later in the taste, some woody and spices notes appear. Late herbal and earthy hops bring the taste to a balanced close.
Mouth feel: Soft and very full, quite pleasant.
Drinkability/notes: Very well-made, an excellent Pumpkin Ale, perhaps not a typical example, but quite good.
Presentation: Packaged in a standard twelve-ounce brown glass long neck bottle, sealed with a pry-off crown, served in a New Belgium Brewing chalice.
In Memoriam: Pumpkin (April 1998 - November 22, 2014) - the best cat ever. We will always miss you.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Appearance: Hazy medium orange, with a moderate, somewhat coarse off-white head, with good retention. Thick, fine-beaded lacing coats the glass walls.
Aroma: Prominent pumpkin pie spices dominate the aroma. Roasted pumpkin rind vies with cinnamon and cloves for an aroma that typifies autumn.
Taste: Begins with tangy, mildly sour notes of earth, roasted pumpkin, and bread flavors. Soon after, a flourish of pumpkin pie spices, mainly cinnamon and cloves present. Later in the taste, some woody and spices notes appear. Late herbal and earthy hops bring the taste to a balanced close.
Mouth feel: Soft and very full, quite pleasant.
Drinkability/notes: Very well-made, an excellent Pumpkin Ale, perhaps not a typical example, but quite good.
Presentation: Packaged in a standard twelve-ounce brown glass long neck bottle, sealed with a pry-off crown, served in a New Belgium Brewing chalice.
In Memoriam: Pumpkin (April 1998 - November 22, 2014) - the best cat ever. We will always miss you.
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4.02/5 rDev +8.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I thought this was one of the better pumpkin beers I've had. Very well balanced pumpkin, with some other really nice flavors as well. Taste and nose is bread, pumpkin, nutmeg, and maybe a touch of cinnamon.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I thought this was one of the better pumpkin beers I've had. Very well balanced pumpkin, with some other really nice flavors as well. Taste and nose is bread, pumpkin, nutmeg, and maybe a touch of cinnamon.
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4/5 rDev +7.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
On the spot review. I saw this one in a new beer store I haven't been to before. They were getting rid of old stock pumpkin ales, never saw this one before and for $14 I absolutely had to give it a try. The guy behind the counter said it was great and he liked it along with another that was alongside of it. Here goes....
Look: Poured into my duvel goblet, its orange hued, like many other pumpkin ales I have tried, 1 finger head which slowly fades away. Nice looking, not cloudy, looks like a very fine beer.
Smell: A typical good smelling pumpkin ale. Not sweet like Pumking, not dull like Buffalo Bill's. Smells a little similar to Southampton. Definitely pumpkin in here, no mistake about it. Little nutmeg, too.
Taste: I was fearing this would be dull, watery and boring like Buffalo Bill's or other cheaper pumpkin ales. Surprisingly this wasn't watery at all. I got a hops taste from the start which followed the pumpkin taste. It is definitely a beer and not a watery one but the hops presence isn't bad. It just reminds you that you are drinking a beer. This is very drinkable. Absolutely not at the caliber of Pumking or Whole Hog but this is decent. Not the best, but definitely not the worst.
Feel: smooth, crisp, very drinkable, no dry mouth feel, no bitterness, pretty much an idea beer. Right in the middle between sweet and bitter.
Overall: I can't complain, yes Pumking and Whole Hog ruined me for all other pumpkin ales and they are my 2 favorites and I hated Buffalo Bill's watery pumpkin water. This one is similar to southampton but with more pumpkin flavor and more hops, as I said, reminding you that you are still drinking a beer and not watered down crap. This is very drinkable, don't let my review dissuade you in any way, I do prefer a dessert beer and Pumking is my absolute favorite with the sweetness, creaminess, buttery pie crust, nutmeg, spicy goodness... but this as I said is great for a nice chilly evening watching a movie or tv shows and for someone that wants what the title delivers, a pumpkin ale.
2,071 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
On the spot review. I saw this one in a new beer store I haven't been to before. They were getting rid of old stock pumpkin ales, never saw this one before and for $14 I absolutely had to give it a try. The guy behind the counter said it was great and he liked it along with another that was alongside of it. Here goes....
Look: Poured into my duvel goblet, its orange hued, like many other pumpkin ales I have tried, 1 finger head which slowly fades away. Nice looking, not cloudy, looks like a very fine beer.
Smell: A typical good smelling pumpkin ale. Not sweet like Pumking, not dull like Buffalo Bill's. Smells a little similar to Southampton. Definitely pumpkin in here, no mistake about it. Little nutmeg, too.
Taste: I was fearing this would be dull, watery and boring like Buffalo Bill's or other cheaper pumpkin ales. Surprisingly this wasn't watery at all. I got a hops taste from the start which followed the pumpkin taste. It is definitely a beer and not a watery one but the hops presence isn't bad. It just reminds you that you are drinking a beer. This is very drinkable. Absolutely not at the caliber of Pumking or Whole Hog but this is decent. Not the best, but definitely not the worst.
Feel: smooth, crisp, very drinkable, no dry mouth feel, no bitterness, pretty much an idea beer. Right in the middle between sweet and bitter.
Overall: I can't complain, yes Pumking and Whole Hog ruined me for all other pumpkin ales and they are my 2 favorites and I hated Buffalo Bill's watery pumpkin water. This one is similar to southampton but with more pumpkin flavor and more hops, as I said, reminding you that you are still drinking a beer and not watered down crap. This is very drinkable, don't let my review dissuade you in any way, I do prefer a dessert beer and Pumking is my absolute favorite with the sweetness, creaminess, buttery pie crust, nutmeg, spicy goodness... but this as I said is great for a nice chilly evening watching a movie or tv shows and for someone that wants what the title delivers, a pumpkin ale.
2,071 characters
3.56/5 rDev -4.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
A nicely balanced and subtle pumpkin ale - especially when put side by side to most other pumpkin ales. I would buy this again - which is not what my usual reaction to most pumpkin beers.
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
A nicely balanced and subtle pumpkin ale - especially when put side by side to most other pumpkin ales. I would buy this again - which is not what my usual reaction to most pumpkin beers.
187 characters
Pumpkin Ale from Smuttynose Brewing Company
Beer rating:
3.72 out of
5 with
1,929 ratings
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