Belgian Pumpkin Spiced Ale
Roc Brewing Company

This brew was served from the tap at Roc Brewing Company in Rochester, NY. It was poured into a chalice glass, glowing a hazy pale orange coloring. Due to the pour there was little head, but wisps of clear white lacing were left around the glass as it disappeared. A thick haze permeated throughout, but no sediment was noted. Carbonation appeared average. The nose was thick with Belgian yeast, conjuring thoughts of Westmalle. Seasonal spice was also present, with an equal thickness to nutmeg, pumpkin spice, and cinnamon. The malts were pale, with a fine wheatiness to the far back, but little flour to the nose. Sweetness came in the form of fresh lemon flesh. Our first impression was that the flavoring was solid, but flirted on the sweet side. As we sipped, the palate was hit with pale, muddy malts and big spice as in the nose. There was sourness to the peak, with an enhancement of that same aromatic spice, and a mild phenolic clove bite. The sweetness then crashed in, in the form of pumpkin flesh, cinnamon-sugar, metallics, yeast, and more of that muddy, wheaty graininess. The aftertaste breathed of pumpkin spice, clove, yeast, light banana esters, and more wheat. The body was medium to full, and the carbonation was average. There was nice slurp, smack, pop, and glug, afforded by the fullness in feel, but little cream or froth on the end of the sip. The mouth was coated and cooled, with little overt dryness. The abv was appropriate, and the beer drank easily.

Overall, what we enjoyed most about this brew was the full-force spice. It gave you a lot in the nose, and followed through expertly on the flavoring. The yeast also played a huge roll, adding again to the aromatic qualities, as well as the taste. This helped to cut the sweetness, which was, by the bottom of our glasses, a bit much. Otherwise, as this was a first taste of what Roc Brewing has to offer, it has made us very excited to see what they do in the future.