Pumpkin Spice Roasted
Upstate Brewing Company

this thing had every opportunity to be overdone and offensive, but its actually understated and drinkable. the spice profile is pleasant, the coffee well in front of it, and even though the base brown ale seems a touch murky and unrefined, the aromas and flavors are solid and this marks something quite distinct in the fall seasonal space, drier than anticipated too which i like. a reddish brown, lighter than many, with some apparent haze to it and an average off white head. cinnamon and nutmeg in the nose with a dry cocoa powder thing, no vanilla or lactose or anything from what i can gather, faint ginger and even licorice spice, lots of roasty coffee but never too bitter, slightly cozy without being sweet. the flavor has cinnamon and anise notes, subtle and even behind the chocolate malt in this. some tobacco and raisin, not thinking there is any actual pumpkin, but i dont miss it and like the dry spice layer with the coffee, which is the lead dog in this. a little chalky and thin at the same time in terms of feel, some oats or something to smooth this out would be cool, but it tastes yummy and original and i enjoyed this on a chilly autumn day. cool spot here, fun beer menu, hope to visit again! this is unlike anything else i had this fall, almost a black tea note with the coffee at temperature, dynamic for sure.