Bumpkin (Rum Barrel Aged)
Country Boy Brewing

 

 

 

Did anyone ever think to themselves about the similarities in both pumpkin pie and rum? The Country Boys let their minds, hands and recipes go just there as their pumpkin spice ale cuddles right up inside of rum barrels for a tight and savory slumber.

Even its burnt-orange color suggest both pumpkin and caramel as a tawny hue pierces its slim haze. A gently swirling swath of foam simmers on top and releases nutmeg, cinnamon and clove spice while praline sweetness meets up with almond, butterscotch and savory scorched caramel in malty support.

Over the middle, the malt links up with the oak, sugar and boozy spice of the barrel for succulent sweetness that counters with the allspice medley, lead by nutmeg. Its undertow of maple turns tangy and oaky as the wood spices and peppery spices give the ale a complex and peculiar twang.

Its creamy upstart is medium through and through, but then dissected by wood spice, alcohol warmth and pie spice, the ale lightens considerably. With a peppy alcohol prickle, the ale shows its sinister strength that shows through the spice and lingers with rummy pumpkin pie.

 

 

Aroma is rummy and pumpkiny, with nutmeg and an herbal character. Flavor reveals nutmeg and cinnamon, with a rum finish. Pumpkin flavor is subtle initially, but emerges in the aftertaste, along with oak. There's an underlying tartness, which reminds me of squash that is past its prime. Thankfully, it's more subtle than the oak and rum.