Frog's Hollow Double Pumpkin Ale | Hoppin' Frog Brewery
Brewed by:
Hoppin' Frog Brewery
Ohio, United States | website
Style: Pumpkin Ale
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 8.40%
Availability: Fall
Notes / Commercial Description:
No notes at this time.
Added by orbitalr0x on 08-30-2009
View: Beers | Place Reviews | Events
Reviews: 265 | Ratings: 739
5/5 rDev +31.6%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
My favorite craft beer. Not just because it is local. Only thing close to the flavor is Southern Tier's Pumking in my experience. Not subtle, got kick and its great for food recipes. Cooks down well. Besides the taste, texture, color, its top notch.
★ 249 characters
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
My favorite craft beer. Not just because it is local. Only thing close to the flavor is Southern Tier's Pumking in my experience. Not subtle, got kick and its great for food recipes. Cooks down well. Besides the taste, texture, color, its top notch.
★ 249 characters
4.5/5 rDev +18.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Frog's Hollow Double Pumpkin Ale - Hoppin' Frog Brewery. Poured from the bomber bottle into a pint glass, this beer's head is two fingers thick and off white, with sheen lacing, and a clear, reddish orange body.
Smells like a big handful of nutmeg and clove, but still with a noticeable malt backbone. I'm assuming this indicates that this will NOT be a spice bomb, which is a good thing IMO.
I taste much of the aforementioned notes, along with an almost tart balance to it. I find this to be pleasantly unique. I'm not sure if its hops doing this or some other entity, but its a superb balance and easy quaff.
The mouthfeel here is clean and crisp. I can't detect the higher abv of this brew...for now.
Overall, I'll give Frog's Hollow Double Pumpkin Ale - Hoppin' Frog Brewery a 4.5 This is certainly a hidden gem in the barrage of trendy pumpkin beers. Not too sweet, not too bland-just right.
★ 920 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Frog's Hollow Double Pumpkin Ale - Hoppin' Frog Brewery. Poured from the bomber bottle into a pint glass, this beer's head is two fingers thick and off white, with sheen lacing, and a clear, reddish orange body.
Smells like a big handful of nutmeg and clove, but still with a noticeable malt backbone. I'm assuming this indicates that this will NOT be a spice bomb, which is a good thing IMO.
I taste much of the aforementioned notes, along with an almost tart balance to it. I find this to be pleasantly unique. I'm not sure if its hops doing this or some other entity, but its a superb balance and easy quaff.
The mouthfeel here is clean and crisp. I can't detect the higher abv of this brew...for now.
Overall, I'll give Frog's Hollow Double Pumpkin Ale - Hoppin' Frog Brewery a 4.5 This is certainly a hidden gem in the barrage of trendy pumpkin beers. Not too sweet, not too bland-just right.
★ 920 characters
4.01/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
I can't believe I never reviewed this before. It may be that the only time I had it was at a pumpkin ale tasting. Well now I have a nice bomber. Good stuff. Hoppin Frog, like other established Northeast Ohio brewers deserves my blind faith. They are a part of the good thing we got going here.
It's pumpkin colored! Hurray! There is very little head. I can't get no satisfaction on the head this week. It's very aromatic. Mostly spice but somewhat pumpkin.
The taste is a very satisfying brown ale with spice and loaded of sweet malts. Some bitters come through too, making for a nice, well rounded experience. The finish is sweet and slightly boozy. Nice. Any boozier and I would regret it tomorrow.
Nice pumpkin ale! Recommended.
★ 736 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
I can't believe I never reviewed this before. It may be that the only time I had it was at a pumpkin ale tasting. Well now I have a nice bomber. Good stuff. Hoppin Frog, like other established Northeast Ohio brewers deserves my blind faith. They are a part of the good thing we got going here.
It's pumpkin colored! Hurray! There is very little head. I can't get no satisfaction on the head this week. It's very aromatic. Mostly spice but somewhat pumpkin.
The taste is a very satisfying brown ale with spice and loaded of sweet malts. Some bitters come through too, making for a nice, well rounded experience. The finish is sweet and slightly boozy. Nice. Any boozier and I would regret it tomorrow.
Nice pumpkin ale! Recommended.
★ 736 characters
4.61/5 rDev +21.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.75
A - Pours a hazy, murky orange. Forms a half finger of quickly dissipating off-white head.
S - Smells like Fall and a Halloween night. Fleshy sweet pumpkin, nutmeg, cloves and allspice, light touches of cinnamon and vanilla. Wonderful.
T - The taste is a perfect reflection of the aroma, just slightly toned down in all sectors. Very balanced and sessional pumpkin beer. Light/Medium bodied beer.
O - A very good and highly recommend pumpkin beer, the perfect accompaniment to the fall season.
V - Good.
★ 507 characters
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.75
A - Pours a hazy, murky orange. Forms a half finger of quickly dissipating off-white head.
S - Smells like Fall and a Halloween night. Fleshy sweet pumpkin, nutmeg, cloves and allspice, light touches of cinnamon and vanilla. Wonderful.
T - The taste is a perfect reflection of the aroma, just slightly toned down in all sectors. Very balanced and sessional pumpkin beer. Light/Medium bodied beer.
O - A very good and highly recommend pumpkin beer, the perfect accompaniment to the fall season.
V - Good.
★ 507 characters
3.75/5 rDev -1.3%
This pours a golden amber color with a slight bit of carbonation. The aroma is rich with pumpkin and spices. The flavor has lots pumpkin too it and not as much spices as the aroma would lead you to believe. The flavor is decently boozy and sweet. There are a few spices that linger in the after taste. Interesting and not like many other pumpkin beers on the market.
★ 366 characters
This pours a golden amber color with a slight bit of carbonation. The aroma is rich with pumpkin and spices. The flavor has lots pumpkin too it and not as much spices as the aroma would lead you to believe. The flavor is decently boozy and sweet. There are a few spices that linger in the after taste. Interesting and not like many other pumpkin beers on the market.
★ 366 characters
3.84/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Bottle label data: none noted.
Crystal clear copper/orange body with slowly rising carbonation and a lasting, one-finger thick head. Spicy, pumpkin aroma; allspice, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Rich, sweet flavor with a big pumpkin overtone; some alcohol burn; mildly charred caramel; somewhat phenolic and boozy. Heavy body; syrupy.
Most definitely a one-bottle endeavor or something to be shared with friends as it's very rich, very heavy and yet rather irresistible (especially if fall or harvest type of ales are your thing).
★ 524 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Bottle label data: none noted.
Crystal clear copper/orange body with slowly rising carbonation and a lasting, one-finger thick head. Spicy, pumpkin aroma; allspice, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Rich, sweet flavor with a big pumpkin overtone; some alcohol burn; mildly charred caramel; somewhat phenolic and boozy. Heavy body; syrupy.
Most definitely a one-bottle endeavor or something to be shared with friends as it's very rich, very heavy and yet rather irresistible (especially if fall or harvest type of ales are your thing).
★ 524 characters
3.59/5 rDev -5.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
22oz bottle, poured into a snifter
A- pours a clear amber color with a ruby hue, small fizzy white head dissipates quickly, leaving nothing behind
S- the aroma up front is that of warm apple cider, lots of cinnamon with aromas of baked apples & nutmeg. Brown sugar-like sweetness meets some boozy aromas with a kick of clove on the finish
T- More apple spice notes on the flavor up front with lots of cinnamon & clove. Mid-palate is a bit thin, other than more fall spicing. The finish is very boozy with a tartness of straight apple juice
M- medium body with low-but prickly carbonation leads to a foamy mouthfeel with a warming, boozy finish
O- This one seemed a bit unbalanced and drank more like a spiced cider than a pumpkin ale. Middle of the pack, in terms of pumpkin ales
★ 788 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
22oz bottle, poured into a snifter
A- pours a clear amber color with a ruby hue, small fizzy white head dissipates quickly, leaving nothing behind
S- the aroma up front is that of warm apple cider, lots of cinnamon with aromas of baked apples & nutmeg. Brown sugar-like sweetness meets some boozy aromas with a kick of clove on the finish
T- More apple spice notes on the flavor up front with lots of cinnamon & clove. Mid-palate is a bit thin, other than more fall spicing. The finish is very boozy with a tartness of straight apple juice
M- medium body with low-but prickly carbonation leads to a foamy mouthfeel with a warming, boozy finish
O- This one seemed a bit unbalanced and drank more like a spiced cider than a pumpkin ale. Middle of the pack, in terms of pumpkin ales
★ 788 characters
3.8/5 rDev 0%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
$ 9.99/bomber ($ 0.545) at Vintage Estates, Boardman, OH
Undated bomber at 40 degrees into tulip
Aroma of nutmeg
Head fizzy, completely gone by the time the tulip was filled
Lacing none
Body red-orange, chill haze
Flavor lightly spiced, not too sweet; no hops, no alcohol, no diacetyl
Palate light to medium, watery, lively carbonation
Appearance 3.5, Aroma 4, Flavor 3.75, Palate 3.75, Overall 3.75
A pumpkin ale that’s actually tasty, definitely an exception to the usual. This is not so spiced that gagging is required, nor is there so much pumpkin that you hesitate to swallow. In fact, I can’t taste any pumpkin at all, just nutmeg. That’s a good thing.
★ 668 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
$ 9.99/bomber ($ 0.545) at Vintage Estates, Boardman, OH
Undated bomber at 40 degrees into tulip
Aroma of nutmeg
Head fizzy, completely gone by the time the tulip was filled
Lacing none
Body red-orange, chill haze
Flavor lightly spiced, not too sweet; no hops, no alcohol, no diacetyl
Palate light to medium, watery, lively carbonation
Appearance 3.5, Aroma 4, Flavor 3.75, Palate 3.75, Overall 3.75
A pumpkin ale that’s actually tasty, definitely an exception to the usual. This is not so spiced that gagging is required, nor is there so much pumpkin that you hesitate to swallow. In fact, I can’t taste any pumpkin at all, just nutmeg. That’s a good thing.
★ 668 characters
4.5/5 rDev +18.4%
All the familiar spices are in the aroma. Perhaps cinnamon is the most aggressive. Light body, big taste of pumpkin first before the spices kick in. They're milder than expected, but it definitely works. Cinnamon and clove stand out the most. Bit of heat from the ginger.
No surprise, it's great. Definitely top tier of pumpkin beers!
★ 336 characters
All the familiar spices are in the aroma. Perhaps cinnamon is the most aggressive. Light body, big taste of pumpkin first before the spices kick in. They're milder than expected, but it definitely works. Cinnamon and clove stand out the most. Bit of heat from the ginger.
No surprise, it's great. Definitely top tier of pumpkin beers!
★ 336 characters
3.25/5 rDev -14.5%
Eh...it ain't Pumking or Williamsburg Alewerks Pumpkin. Quite a few I would rate better. Definitely has a strong pumpkin taste but the after taste of coffee, like a stout, is odd. Like a stale pumpkin pie. Not crisp or smooth. Just a decent pumpkin ale. Sort of like that prom date you were stoked to get and then decided she isn't all that. Like driving an 80s Mustang GT. Noise without performance. 750ml bottle.
★ 423 characters
Eh...it ain't Pumking or Williamsburg Alewerks Pumpkin. Quite a few I would rate better. Definitely has a strong pumpkin taste but the after taste of coffee, like a stout, is odd. Like a stale pumpkin pie. Not crisp or smooth. Just a decent pumpkin ale. Sort of like that prom date you were stoked to get and then decided she isn't all that. Like driving an 80s Mustang GT. Noise without performance. 750ml bottle.
★ 423 characters
3.86/5 rDev +1.6%
look: 2.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I saw this was on sale at Total Wine for $2.99 per 22oz bottle so I bought four of them. This is my fourth one and I have enjoyed them all.
The beer pours a ruddy, blood brown sort of color with not a trace of lace or head. The lack of head is the only thing about this beer that really needs improvement. The head leaves quickly and doesn't even form a ring on top or the slightest bit of foam. This was the case with all four bottles.
Aroma is very seasonal. Perhaps a bit heavy on the ginger and allspice, but general pumpkin aromas like cinnamon and nutmeg lend a hand. The underlying beer smells and tastes like a brown ale of sort. Aromas of bread and crackers.
Flavor is heavy on the ginger, but I don't mind. Ginger is great for digestion and other stomach ailments. Bready and slightly sweet but with a little bitter kick in the finish.
On the sweeter side, slightly cloying, but a very good beer. I can see people really not liking this because of the heavy ginger, but I like it. Less sweetness would be great.
★ 1,029 characters
look: 2.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I saw this was on sale at Total Wine for $2.99 per 22oz bottle so I bought four of them. This is my fourth one and I have enjoyed them all.
The beer pours a ruddy, blood brown sort of color with not a trace of lace or head. The lack of head is the only thing about this beer that really needs improvement. The head leaves quickly and doesn't even form a ring on top or the slightest bit of foam. This was the case with all four bottles.
Aroma is very seasonal. Perhaps a bit heavy on the ginger and allspice, but general pumpkin aromas like cinnamon and nutmeg lend a hand. The underlying beer smells and tastes like a brown ale of sort. Aromas of bread and crackers.
Flavor is heavy on the ginger, but I don't mind. Ginger is great for digestion and other stomach ailments. Bready and slightly sweet but with a little bitter kick in the finish.
On the sweeter side, slightly cloying, but a very good beer. I can see people really not liking this because of the heavy ginger, but I like it. Less sweetness would be great.
★ 1,029 characters
3.92/5 rDev +3.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
As a Hoppin' Frog devotee and pumpkin ale skeptic, I approached this brew cautiously optimistic. Or was I optimistically cautious? Whatever, it's a good beer. Hoppin' Frog Frog's Hollow pours a deeper shade of orange than other examples of the style I've recently had. Head vanishes almost instantly. Very sweet on the nose. This worries me. I like sweet beers but pumpkin ales overdo it sometimes. It smells vaguely pumpkin pie-ish, with plenty of sugar and spice and all that. It's sweet on the palate but not cloyingly so. Pumpkin's up front, followed by an array of spices and a sweet vanilla finish. You know something? I like it quite a bit.
★ 647 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
As a Hoppin' Frog devotee and pumpkin ale skeptic, I approached this brew cautiously optimistic. Or was I optimistically cautious? Whatever, it's a good beer. Hoppin' Frog Frog's Hollow pours a deeper shade of orange than other examples of the style I've recently had. Head vanishes almost instantly. Very sweet on the nose. This worries me. I like sweet beers but pumpkin ales overdo it sometimes. It smells vaguely pumpkin pie-ish, with plenty of sugar and spice and all that. It's sweet on the palate but not cloyingly so. Pumpkin's up front, followed by an array of spices and a sweet vanilla finish. You know something? I like it quite a bit.
★ 647 characters
3.91/5 rDev +2.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
22 FL. OZ. bottle
Served in a tulip glass
A - It is orange with amber highlights. It is topped with a half of an inch of beige head.
S - The aroma is loaded with pumpkin spices. I get some cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
T - The taste has all these spices, as well.
M - Moderate
O - I wasn't in the mood for a pumpkin ale, but I had to get rid of it. It turned into a delightful treat. I was surprised at how flavorful it was. Plus the mouthfeel was good. I hate pumpkin beers that are watery.
★ 499 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
22 FL. OZ. bottle
Served in a tulip glass
A - It is orange with amber highlights. It is topped with a half of an inch of beige head.
S - The aroma is loaded with pumpkin spices. I get some cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
T - The taste has all these spices, as well.
M - Moderate
O - I wasn't in the mood for a pumpkin ale, but I had to get rid of it. It turned into a delightful treat. I was surprised at how flavorful it was. Plus the mouthfeel was good. I hate pumpkin beers that are watery.
★ 499 characters
3.59/5 rDev -5.5%
look: 2.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
I'm not all that impressed with this. It's not bad, but poured at a good temperature with some foam at first and then it vanished, with no lace either. Color is a nice clear medium amber with some bubble trails. Aroma is the best part with a nice blend of spice, pumpkin, and caramel. Flavor's a lot like nose, a little tang come thru, tho not much. There is enough bitter to balance. Body is good, carbonation a touch soft. Finish is like flavor, tapers nicely, and has a little alcohol warmth. A bit of a meh beer.
★ 516 characters
look: 2.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
I'm not all that impressed with this. It's not bad, but poured at a good temperature with some foam at first and then it vanished, with no lace either. Color is a nice clear medium amber with some bubble trails. Aroma is the best part with a nice blend of spice, pumpkin, and caramel. Flavor's a lot like nose, a little tang come thru, tho not much. There is enough bitter to balance. Body is good, carbonation a touch soft. Finish is like flavor, tapers nicely, and has a little alcohol warmth. A bit of a meh beer.
★ 516 characters
3.5/5 rDev -7.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Color seems light compared to other pumpkin ales. Not an overwhelming pumpkin smell...taste is not overly pumpkin either ....the texture is light and smooth...the
Alcohol by volume isn't really noticeable , I would have this for a session ...overall I am pleased with this beer and would purchase again
★ 303 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Color seems light compared to other pumpkin ales. Not an overwhelming pumpkin smell...taste is not overly pumpkin either ....the texture is light and smooth...the
Alcohol by volume isn't really noticeable , I would have this for a session ...overall I am pleased with this beer and would purchase again
★ 303 characters
4.33/5 rDev +13.9%
look: 3.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
I'm a big fan of Hoppin Frog's Boris the Crusher, so i was thrilled to find this offering. 750ml into a tulip.
A- beautiful opaque amber with surprisingly little head
S- all my favorite pumpkin flavors: malt, pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, maybe some ginger?
T- well supported by aromas. Pumpkin hits first, followed by lingering malt accented by spices.
M- Finishes with subtle carbonation and lingering syrupy sweetness.
O- this will probably be one of my last pumpkins of the season, and its a very enjoyable one to go out on. I'll have to keep an eye out for it next year.
★ 576 characters
look: 3.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
I'm a big fan of Hoppin Frog's Boris the Crusher, so i was thrilled to find this offering. 750ml into a tulip.
A- beautiful opaque amber with surprisingly little head
S- all my favorite pumpkin flavors: malt, pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, maybe some ginger?
T- well supported by aromas. Pumpkin hits first, followed by lingering malt accented by spices.
M- Finishes with subtle carbonation and lingering syrupy sweetness.
O- this will probably be one of my last pumpkins of the season, and its a very enjoyable one to go out on. I'll have to keep an eye out for it next year.
★ 576 characters
3.42/5 rDev -10%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Pours dark orange with some chill haze, and a small beige head which quickly fades, leaving no lacing. the aroma has pumpkin pie spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Tastes sweet, with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Same as the aroma. there is no pumpkin flavor, and nothing to simulate the pumpkin pie crust. While this beer has a nice taste, it is not as good as the best pumpkin ales.
Medium bodied with below average carbonation. Smooth and easy to drink. a good pumpkin ale, but not complex, and not as good as the best pumpkin ales.
★ 540 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Pours dark orange with some chill haze, and a small beige head which quickly fades, leaving no lacing. the aroma has pumpkin pie spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Tastes sweet, with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Same as the aroma. there is no pumpkin flavor, and nothing to simulate the pumpkin pie crust. While this beer has a nice taste, it is not as good as the best pumpkin ales.
Medium bodied with below average carbonation. Smooth and easy to drink. a good pumpkin ale, but not complex, and not as good as the best pumpkin ales.
★ 540 characters
3.86/5 rDev +1.6%
look: 3.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
I poured a bottle into a pint glass.
Appearance- Cloudy golden-orange with a half a fingers worth of quickly disappearing, foamy head. Very light amount of lacing.
Smell- Strong pumpkin, allspice, and nutmeg aromas.
Taste- Big pumpkin flavor with a balanced amount of spices. Hints of caramel and brown sugar as well. No booziness from the ABV.
Mouthfeel- Medium bodied and crisp. An average amount of carbonation.
Overall- A very good pumpkin beer and one of the better ones that I've tried.
★ 497 characters
look: 3.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
I poured a bottle into a pint glass.
Appearance- Cloudy golden-orange with a half a fingers worth of quickly disappearing, foamy head. Very light amount of lacing.
Smell- Strong pumpkin, allspice, and nutmeg aromas.
Taste- Big pumpkin flavor with a balanced amount of spices. Hints of caramel and brown sugar as well. No booziness from the ABV.
Mouthfeel- Medium bodied and crisp. An average amount of carbonation.
Overall- A very good pumpkin beer and one of the better ones that I've tried.
★ 497 characters
4.14/5 rDev +8.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
The beer comes in a clear amber deep reddish orange with a bit of carbonation.
The beer has tons of sweet pumpkin and cinnamon, nutmeg on the nose.
The flavor follows with tons of sweet juicy pumpkin, a good amount of pie crust, toasty malt, big cinnamon, nutmeg, and it falls off a bit quickly from the flavor. A good amount of candy sweetness. The body is a bit light.
The burst of pumpkin and bit of crust in the front is really wonderful. A really fantastic beer. One of the better pumpkin beers out there.
★ 514 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
The beer comes in a clear amber deep reddish orange with a bit of carbonation.
The beer has tons of sweet pumpkin and cinnamon, nutmeg on the nose.
The flavor follows with tons of sweet juicy pumpkin, a good amount of pie crust, toasty malt, big cinnamon, nutmeg, and it falls off a bit quickly from the flavor. A good amount of candy sweetness. The body is a bit light.
The burst of pumpkin and bit of crust in the front is really wonderful. A really fantastic beer. One of the better pumpkin beers out there.
★ 514 characters
4/5 rDev +5.3%
look: 2.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
22 oz. bottle poured into a NB snifter.
A - Pours a wheat/honey gold. An almost-nonexistent head of light khaki foam disappears almost immediately, leaving a thin ring of bubbles around the edge and swirl of fine lace on the surface. Held to a full-spectrum light, the beer is an apricot orange and a touch cloudy, with several trails of bubbles rising from the center bottom.
S - A quick punch tweaks the nose with spices: cinnamon predominates, followed by ginger, nutmeg, and clove. Freshly baked pumpkin pie across the background. Hints of caramels. As it warms in the glass, the spices meld together and soften while the toasted malts appear as moist, grainy bread dough. Pleasant and inviting, easy to savor.
T - Pumpkin, front and center, followed by a nicely spiced pie filling, and chased with a caramel topping. Rich and flavorful. While pumpkin is what's featured, there's still plenty of the supporting spices, and are well-balanced. The big ABV is well-hidden, except for the warm spot in the tummy that develops. The finish features echos of brown sugar and cinnamon toast with pumpkin pie, followed by late notes that remind me of a spicy ginger-ale.
M - Smooth with a touch of fizz. Moderate body that leans a bit light. Nicely integrated components are almost silky across the tongue. Finish is well-balanced and lingering.
O - A sophisticated, richer take on the pumpkins that's quite tasty. While it features the pumpkin in the taste, there's still plenty of spices to be found bouncing around in the mouth after the finish. This would be a great alternative at the Thanksgiving table to compliment turkey and stuffing, a meal that's always been challenging to pair wine to.
★ 1,698 characters
look: 2.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
22 oz. bottle poured into a NB snifter.
A - Pours a wheat/honey gold. An almost-nonexistent head of light khaki foam disappears almost immediately, leaving a thin ring of bubbles around the edge and swirl of fine lace on the surface. Held to a full-spectrum light, the beer is an apricot orange and a touch cloudy, with several trails of bubbles rising from the center bottom.
S - A quick punch tweaks the nose with spices: cinnamon predominates, followed by ginger, nutmeg, and clove. Freshly baked pumpkin pie across the background. Hints of caramels. As it warms in the glass, the spices meld together and soften while the toasted malts appear as moist, grainy bread dough. Pleasant and inviting, easy to savor.
T - Pumpkin, front and center, followed by a nicely spiced pie filling, and chased with a caramel topping. Rich and flavorful. While pumpkin is what's featured, there's still plenty of the supporting spices, and are well-balanced. The big ABV is well-hidden, except for the warm spot in the tummy that develops. The finish features echos of brown sugar and cinnamon toast with pumpkin pie, followed by late notes that remind me of a spicy ginger-ale.
M - Smooth with a touch of fizz. Moderate body that leans a bit light. Nicely integrated components are almost silky across the tongue. Finish is well-balanced and lingering.
O - A sophisticated, richer take on the pumpkins that's quite tasty. While it features the pumpkin in the taste, there's still plenty of spices to be found bouncing around in the mouth after the finish. This would be a great alternative at the Thanksgiving table to compliment turkey and stuffing, a meal that's always been challenging to pair wine to.
★ 1,698 characters
4.07/5 rDev +7.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A - A slight finger's worth of crisp fizzy light khaki colored head... Minimal retention gives way to
a minimal splotchy lacing and ultra thin collar... The color is a slightly warming medium amber... There is a mild haziness... There are a few streaks of moderate to quick paced carbonation... Rather pedestrian looking...
S - A warm inviting aroma... There is small pumpkin pulp sweetness to start... This is quickly accompanied and surpassed by a nicely balanced yet assertive spice component... Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger... Some light graham cracker crust malty goodness lingers beneath the surface... Very nice and appealing aroma...
T - A big well rounded flavor... Much more depth and complexity than other Pumpkin Ales... The spices are dialed down a notch and the pumpkin is ratcheted up a notch... Overall this one become much sweeter with some light caramel notes and a rich malty goodness in the form of pie crust... The finish has some brown sugar notes as well... Very well rounded with excellent depth and complexity... Love it...
M - On the fuller side of medium bodied... Limited carbonation... Sleek, smooth and dense... Goes down very easily... Intense but slightly short-lived...
D - A rock solid Pumpkin Ale that deserves its place in the top tier of the style... A slightly subpar appearance is quickly erased by the impact of the nose, mouthfeel and especially the stellar flavor and taste... Highly recommended to lover's of the style... The 8.4% ABV is fairly well hidden...
★ 1,527 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A - A slight finger's worth of crisp fizzy light khaki colored head... Minimal retention gives way to
a minimal splotchy lacing and ultra thin collar... The color is a slightly warming medium amber... There is a mild haziness... There are a few streaks of moderate to quick paced carbonation... Rather pedestrian looking...
S - A warm inviting aroma... There is small pumpkin pulp sweetness to start... This is quickly accompanied and surpassed by a nicely balanced yet assertive spice component... Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger... Some light graham cracker crust malty goodness lingers beneath the surface... Very nice and appealing aroma...
T - A big well rounded flavor... Much more depth and complexity than other Pumpkin Ales... The spices are dialed down a notch and the pumpkin is ratcheted up a notch... Overall this one become much sweeter with some light caramel notes and a rich malty goodness in the form of pie crust... The finish has some brown sugar notes as well... Very well rounded with excellent depth and complexity... Love it...
M - On the fuller side of medium bodied... Limited carbonation... Sleek, smooth and dense... Goes down very easily... Intense but slightly short-lived...
D - A rock solid Pumpkin Ale that deserves its place in the top tier of the style... A slightly subpar appearance is quickly erased by the impact of the nose, mouthfeel and especially the stellar flavor and taste... Highly recommended to lover's of the style... The 8.4% ABV is fairly well hidden...
★ 1,527 characters
4.38/5 rDev +15.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
This is an excellent pumpkin beer. One of the best, if not THE BEST pumpkin beer I've ever had and definitely the best I've had this year.
The strong scent of pumpkin spices carries through to the flavor, without being overpowering. The actual pumpkin lends a smoothness to both the taste and texture. While it's 8.4% ABV, there's no booziness.
This is just a smooth, balanced, tasty beer that I will seek out again and happily recommend to others.
★ 450 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
This is an excellent pumpkin beer. One of the best, if not THE BEST pumpkin beer I've ever had and definitely the best I've had this year.
The strong scent of pumpkin spices carries through to the flavor, without being overpowering. The actual pumpkin lends a smoothness to both the taste and texture. While it's 8.4% ABV, there's no booziness.
This is just a smooth, balanced, tasty beer that I will seek out again and happily recommend to others.
★ 450 characters
3.87/5 rDev +1.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
22 ounce bottle into tulip glass, 2013 vintage bottling. Pours lightly cloudy bright orange amber color with a 1 finger fairly dense off white head with decent retention, that reduces to a thin lace cap that lingers. Slight spotty lacing clings on the glass. Aromas of big pumpkin, toast, brown sugar, caramel, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger, bread, and herbal earthiness. Very nice aromas with good balance and complexity of malt, pumpkin, and spice notes; with good strength. Taste of pumpkin, brown sugar, caramel, toast, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, clove, bread, and herbal earthiness. Lingering notes of caramel, brown sugar, caramel, toast, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger, and herbal earthiness on the finish for a good bit. Very nice balance and complexity of pumpkin, malt, and spice notes; with a good malt/spice balance and zero cloying flavors after the finish. Medium carbonation and medium-full bodied; with a moderately slick and lightly prickly mouthfeel that is good. Alcohol is very well hidden with only a slight warming present after the finish. Overall this is a very good imperial pumpkin ale. All around well balance pumpkin, malt, and spice flavors; and very smooth the sip on for the ABV. A very enjoyable offering.
★ 1,239 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
22 ounce bottle into tulip glass, 2013 vintage bottling. Pours lightly cloudy bright orange amber color with a 1 finger fairly dense off white head with decent retention, that reduces to a thin lace cap that lingers. Slight spotty lacing clings on the glass. Aromas of big pumpkin, toast, brown sugar, caramel, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger, bread, and herbal earthiness. Very nice aromas with good balance and complexity of malt, pumpkin, and spice notes; with good strength. Taste of pumpkin, brown sugar, caramel, toast, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, clove, bread, and herbal earthiness. Lingering notes of caramel, brown sugar, caramel, toast, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger, and herbal earthiness on the finish for a good bit. Very nice balance and complexity of pumpkin, malt, and spice notes; with a good malt/spice balance and zero cloying flavors after the finish. Medium carbonation and medium-full bodied; with a moderately slick and lightly prickly mouthfeel that is good. Alcohol is very well hidden with only a slight warming present after the finish. Overall this is a very good imperial pumpkin ale. All around well balance pumpkin, malt, and spice flavors; and very smooth the sip on for the ABV. A very enjoyable offering.
★ 1,239 characters
3.84/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Appearance: pours an orange color with a 1/4" head that breaks apart relatively quickly.
Smell: ginger, cinnamon, and a bit of sweetness rises from the glass.
Taste: pumpkin, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a modertae bitterness are the main flavors. Alcohol is slightly noticeable.
Mouthfeel: medium bodied beer. Light crispness to start and a smoother at the finish. The spices linger on the tastebuds.
Overall: this is a tasty brew that hits the spot when you want a pumpkin beer.
★ 485 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Appearance: pours an orange color with a 1/4" head that breaks apart relatively quickly.
Smell: ginger, cinnamon, and a bit of sweetness rises from the glass.
Taste: pumpkin, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a modertae bitterness are the main flavors. Alcohol is slightly noticeable.
Mouthfeel: medium bodied beer. Light crispness to start and a smoother at the finish. The spices linger on the tastebuds.
Overall: this is a tasty brew that hits the spot when you want a pumpkin beer.
★ 485 characters
Frog's Hollow Double Pumpkin Ale from Hoppin' Frog Brewery
3.8
out of 5
based on 739 ratings.
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
**
01/17/2015
AROMA and TASTE have notes of cinnamon and apples. Whiskey aftertaste. One of the better pumpkin beers I've had, though hard to find. Did not make it for the 2015 tasting.
2014 Pumpkin Double Blind Tasting: 1-Sam Adams Fat Jack. 2-Hoppin’ Frog. 3-Fegleys Devious. 4-Weyerbacher. 5-Southern Tier Pumking. 6-Terrapin Pumpkinfest. 7-Long Trail. 8-Riverhorse. 9-Blue Moon. 10-UFO Pumpkin (harpoon). 11-Sam Adams Pumpkin. 12-Shipyard Smashed Pumpkin. 13-Dogfishhead (shocker) 14-Ichabod."
**
★ 508 characters