Flying Buffalo Screamin' Pumpkin Stout
Griffin Claw Brewing Company

 

I like to have a pumpkin beer, 365 days a year! I just moved to Michigan in 2021..here I am frantically searching for Pumpkins, mid-September.. and NONE of my top four are available (Whole Hog, Cigar City, Lakefront Imperial, Schlafly).. and I'm not finding anything notable.. then the glimmers trickle in.. I find Elysian Night Owl.. I find the Elysian 12 pack of FOUR different pumpkins.. I find two cases of Shipyard Smashed.. then, WHAM! A neighbor suggest checking out Griffin Claw, I look at the reviews.. and drive to them, an hour away, two days ago. Not only do they have a very good 5% pumpkin ale available in supermarkets, but they have a 9.5% ABV bourbon barrel aged version! I get there, order the 9.5%, and it's great.. I took home a 4 pack. BUT THEN.. the bartender gives me a sample of this, FLYING BUFFALO SCREAMIN" PUMPKIN 12% ABV, 2020.. and I am totally blown away! It pours from a 16 oz.can, dark brown with a one finger head that quickly dissipates. The nose is incredible.. intense cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove notes bounce about. The taste.. OMG! a defined stout blend of malt and hops is framed by pumpkin spices like sugar plum fairies dancing in your wee little head, which is trying to adjust to the overt decadence of the tasty 12% bourbon inspired orgy tantalizing your tongue... but I digress. The only negative I find, similar to the gorgeous Lakefront Imperial Pumpkin, is a tad too abundant sweetness.. but I would not part with that, if it would diminish the shimmering beauty of the rest of the brew. I have to tell you.. I have been a true pumpkin aficionado for a decade, have tried most of the best.. and this is the best pumpkin beer I have ever had. EXTROADINARY! I took home 48 16 oz. cans.. OH NO! Is it enough?