New Holland Ichabod Ale | New Holland Brewing Company
Brewed by:
New Holland Brewing Company
Michigan, United States
newhollandbrew.com
Style: Pumpkin Ale
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 5.50%
Availability: Fall
Notes / Commercial Description:
No notes at this time.
Added by BeerAdvocate on 10-02-2002
View: Beers | Place Reviews | Events
Ratings: 1,581 | Reviews: 557
Reviews by dwren89:
More User Reviews:
3/5 rDev -14.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Appearance - pours a cloudy pale orange with a thick two finger white white head (dissipates quickly with some lacing).
Smell - Hop and spice notes are present with subtle but appropriate notes of pumpkin.
Taste - hop and malt notes are suprisingly noticable given the expected presence of sweetness, spices and pumpkin. While the latter can be identified, I was left wanting just a bit more.
Mouthfeel - light body with appropriate carbonation.
Overall - when i buy a pumpkin beer i'm really not looking for a whole lot more than some entertainment. this beer was decent and it satisfied my craving on the first chilly night of september, but there aren't any aspects of this beer that could be considered exceptional.
724 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Appearance - pours a cloudy pale orange with a thick two finger white white head (dissipates quickly with some lacing).
Smell - Hop and spice notes are present with subtle but appropriate notes of pumpkin.
Taste - hop and malt notes are suprisingly noticable given the expected presence of sweetness, spices and pumpkin. While the latter can be identified, I was left wanting just a bit more.
Mouthfeel - light body with appropriate carbonation.
Overall - when i buy a pumpkin beer i'm really not looking for a whole lot more than some entertainment. this beer was decent and it satisfied my craving on the first chilly night of september, but there aren't any aspects of this beer that could be considered exceptional.
724 characters
3.55/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
While Iam not a pumpkin pie fan,I haved enjoyed alot of the pumpkin ales I have had,I really enjoyed cottonwoods pumpkin ale down in NC.This one however fell a little flat,poured a nice deep orange color with pretty decent sized head,smell was not strong enough for me some hint of spices but not rich enough for me.Some spiceness and a very faint pumpkin taste just kinda left me wondering where the rest of it was.I'll be sure not to seek this out when Iam back in Michigan.
476 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
While Iam not a pumpkin pie fan,I haved enjoyed alot of the pumpkin ales I have had,I really enjoyed cottonwoods pumpkin ale down in NC.This one however fell a little flat,poured a nice deep orange color with pretty decent sized head,smell was not strong enough for me some hint of spices but not rich enough for me.Some spiceness and a very faint pumpkin taste just kinda left me wondering where the rest of it was.I'll be sure not to seek this out when Iam back in Michigan.
476 characters
4.08/5 rDev +16.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I'm a sucker for pumpkin beers and this one is in my yearly rotation. Good balance of malt and spices. Not over done.
119 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I'm a sucker for pumpkin beers and this one is in my yearly rotation. Good balance of malt and spices. Not over done.
119 characters
3.52/5 rDev +0.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
12 bottle poured into a Bell's tulip glass
It pours a transparent copper color with a minimal off-white, almost tan head capping the beer which dies ever so quickly. No lacing at all.
The nose is easily distinguishable as cinnamon and nutmeg. The spice level is restrained which I usually prefer but this might be a little too restrained.
The taste once again highlight the subtle spicing but it seems a little stronger than the nose which I like. A little mineral character seems present as well which is out of place.
The body is right where I would like in a pumpkin beer, medium/ full bodied. The added pumpkin may be adding some addition body or starchiness which I like and it finishes pretty smooth as well. Drinkability is above average. Overall a decent pumpkin ale.
779 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
12 bottle poured into a Bell's tulip glass
It pours a transparent copper color with a minimal off-white, almost tan head capping the beer which dies ever so quickly. No lacing at all.
The nose is easily distinguishable as cinnamon and nutmeg. The spice level is restrained which I usually prefer but this might be a little too restrained.
The taste once again highlight the subtle spicing but it seems a little stronger than the nose which I like. A little mineral character seems present as well which is out of place.
The body is right where I would like in a pumpkin beer, medium/ full bodied. The added pumpkin may be adding some addition body or starchiness which I like and it finishes pretty smooth as well. Drinkability is above average. Overall a decent pumpkin ale.
779 characters
3.02/5 rDev -14%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5
served on draught at Old Chicago in Okemos, MI.
Mostly clear coppery amber in color with just a hint of haziness. Thin very white head dissipated very quickly to a thin white ring that stuck around through to the end. Light partial lacing.
A sort of malty pumpkin pie spice smell. Compared to other good pumpkin spiced brews out right now, this one seems a bit weak, but still a bit better than your average brew.
Nice solid amber ale, a bit on the dry side, good balance, and only a hint of pumpkin. Perhaps it's just me, but I would normally expect more pumpkin in a pumpkin beer. The finish is mostly clean and short and there is a bit of pumpkin spice in the finish.
Weight in the mouth is quite average - not bad, but not particularly good either. Carbonation is reasonable, but again, just middle of the road and nothing to write home about.
As for drinkability, one of these was plenty and I was ready to look for something different, even if it was a different pumpkin beer. It sounds like I'm really cracking on this beer and I don't mean to, but it is very average and, well, kinda boring.
1,105 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5
served on draught at Old Chicago in Okemos, MI.
Mostly clear coppery amber in color with just a hint of haziness. Thin very white head dissipated very quickly to a thin white ring that stuck around through to the end. Light partial lacing.
A sort of malty pumpkin pie spice smell. Compared to other good pumpkin spiced brews out right now, this one seems a bit weak, but still a bit better than your average brew.
Nice solid amber ale, a bit on the dry side, good balance, and only a hint of pumpkin. Perhaps it's just me, but I would normally expect more pumpkin in a pumpkin beer. The finish is mostly clean and short and there is a bit of pumpkin spice in the finish.
Weight in the mouth is quite average - not bad, but not particularly good either. Carbonation is reasonable, but again, just middle of the road and nothing to write home about.
As for drinkability, one of these was plenty and I was ready to look for something different, even if it was a different pumpkin beer. It sounds like I'm really cracking on this beer and I don't mean to, but it is very average and, well, kinda boring.
1,105 characters
3.44/5 rDev -2%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Purchased from Discount Liquor in Milwaukee, WI. Pours a very hazy pale amber body with a thin white head. Aroma is pie spices, most notably nutmeg. Mouthfeel is medium bodied with medium carbonation. The nutmeg and spices are up front with the malt sweetness. Some faint pumpkin flavors are noticed in the finish. A good pumpkin beer, but not my favorite.
356 characters
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Purchased from Discount Liquor in Milwaukee, WI. Pours a very hazy pale amber body with a thin white head. Aroma is pie spices, most notably nutmeg. Mouthfeel is medium bodied with medium carbonation. The nutmeg and spices are up front with the malt sweetness. Some faint pumpkin flavors are noticed in the finish. A good pumpkin beer, but not my favorite.
356 characters
3.67/5 rDev +4.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Pours into my glass an amber orange hue with a small off white head on top that quickly becomes a thin ring. Lots of particulate in suspension. Aromas begin with caramel toasted grains alongside plenty of cinnamon and nutmeg spiciness. Pumpkin aroma is light but comes through nicely. Slightly earthy and vegetal.
First sip brings a toasty sweet caramel malt that is quickly swept up by an array of spice flavors. Cinnamon and nutmeg all over the place. Vegetal pumpkin flavor moves in on the way down, but the spices really dominate here. Ends with a touch of lingering sweetness and a big spicy aftertaste.
Mouthfeel is medium bodied with a subtle creaminess. Good steady carbonation. It makes itself known while still being drinkable. Overall, this is a pretty good pumpkin ale, just a little too much on the spices for me. Not really a brew I'd drink more than one of in a sitting.
887 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Pours into my glass an amber orange hue with a small off white head on top that quickly becomes a thin ring. Lots of particulate in suspension. Aromas begin with caramel toasted grains alongside plenty of cinnamon and nutmeg spiciness. Pumpkin aroma is light but comes through nicely. Slightly earthy and vegetal.
First sip brings a toasty sweet caramel malt that is quickly swept up by an array of spice flavors. Cinnamon and nutmeg all over the place. Vegetal pumpkin flavor moves in on the way down, but the spices really dominate here. Ends with a touch of lingering sweetness and a big spicy aftertaste.
Mouthfeel is medium bodied with a subtle creaminess. Good steady carbonation. It makes itself known while still being drinkable. Overall, this is a pretty good pumpkin ale, just a little too much on the spices for me. Not really a brew I'd drink more than one of in a sitting.
887 characters
4.1/5 rDev +16.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
A- A plush dark Amber color. Looks like dark honey
S- Pumpkin spice. Faint nutmeg.
T- Tastes like a cold piece of pumpkin pie by itself. No creaminess.
M- Moderate body. Fuller bodied than most pumpkin ales I've had.
O- At this point, this is the best Pumpkin ALE I've ever had. I prefer Pumpkin Porter, but if you want a great pumpkin ale in mid-late October, steel gray sky and watching college football, look no further.
430 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
A- A plush dark Amber color. Looks like dark honey
S- Pumpkin spice. Faint nutmeg.
T- Tastes like a cold piece of pumpkin pie by itself. No creaminess.
M- Moderate body. Fuller bodied than most pumpkin ales I've had.
O- At this point, this is the best Pumpkin ALE I've ever had. I prefer Pumpkin Porter, but if you want a great pumpkin ale in mid-late October, steel gray sky and watching college football, look no further.
430 characters
4.42/5 rDev +25.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
After having a bottle of Ichabod last fall, I was not impressed by the beer. It was an average brown ale with just the slightest hint of pumpkin and spice.
I had it again last night on-tap due to a lack of anything else interesting and it seemed to be an entirely different (for the better) beer.
Color was an appropriate cloudy 'pumpkin' orange with a slight white head. Smelled lightly of pumpkin pie. Tasted strongly of pumpkin pie. Pumpkin, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Finished with a nicely balanced bite of hops. A fairly light beer with a good amount of flavor, though the mouthfeel was pretty thin. Perhaps a bit too sweet, but quite drinkable.
Not a tremendously complex beer, but unique and enjoyable. Recommended.
727 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
After having a bottle of Ichabod last fall, I was not impressed by the beer. It was an average brown ale with just the slightest hint of pumpkin and spice.
I had it again last night on-tap due to a lack of anything else interesting and it seemed to be an entirely different (for the better) beer.
Color was an appropriate cloudy 'pumpkin' orange with a slight white head. Smelled lightly of pumpkin pie. Tasted strongly of pumpkin pie. Pumpkin, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Finished with a nicely balanced bite of hops. A fairly light beer with a good amount of flavor, though the mouthfeel was pretty thin. Perhaps a bit too sweet, but quite drinkable.
Not a tremendously complex beer, but unique and enjoyable. Recommended.
727 characters
3.31/5 rDev -5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
Notes from Fall 2010
Pours clear amber with one finger of head and nice slow rising carbonation.
Smell is pretty subtle, some nutmeg and a slight amount of pumpkin coming through, but not much.
Tastes of pumpkin and a bit of brown sugar. Some drying spice notes on the finish. Pretty good,but that's about it.
Has a lihgt/medium body with good carbonation; slight lingering bitterness, mostly from the spices.
Not bad, but the spices seem to hurt drinkability in this case. Nothing I would want more of.
508 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
Notes from Fall 2010
Pours clear amber with one finger of head and nice slow rising carbonation.
Smell is pretty subtle, some nutmeg and a slight amount of pumpkin coming through, but not much.
Tastes of pumpkin and a bit of brown sugar. Some drying spice notes on the finish. Pretty good,but that's about it.
Has a lihgt/medium body with good carbonation; slight lingering bitterness, mostly from the spices.
Not bad, but the spices seem to hurt drinkability in this case. Nothing I would want more of.
508 characters
3.68/5 rDev +4.8%
look: 3 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
No date on bottle. Pours hazy amber with with some debris. Smells of pumpkin and spice, very nice. The taste follows closely but is lacking; almost watered-down. The carbonation is low-medium and body is full. Overall, a great smell but lacking in punch.
254 characters
look: 3 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
No date on bottle. Pours hazy amber with with some debris. Smells of pumpkin and spice, very nice. The taste follows closely but is lacking; almost watered-down. The carbonation is low-medium and body is full. Overall, a great smell but lacking in punch.
254 characters
3.84/5 rDev +9.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
4/5 rDev +14%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12oz brown bottle with no freshness date.
LOOK: Clear amber, dense froth
SMELL: Pie spice, ripe pumpkin meat, toasted grain, yeast, vague ripe fruit, vague mint
TASTE: Smooth, moderate size body, toasted cracker, fermented pumpkin flesh, spice, nutty yeast, dates, dry grainy finish
An extremely tasty pumpkin ale. Best thing about this beer ... it tastes like a beer and one I would want to have more than one of. That is saying a lot for Pumpkin Ale IMO.
460 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12oz brown bottle with no freshness date.
LOOK: Clear amber, dense froth
SMELL: Pie spice, ripe pumpkin meat, toasted grain, yeast, vague ripe fruit, vague mint
TASTE: Smooth, moderate size body, toasted cracker, fermented pumpkin flesh, spice, nutty yeast, dates, dry grainy finish
An extremely tasty pumpkin ale. Best thing about this beer ... it tastes like a beer and one I would want to have more than one of. That is saying a lot for Pumpkin Ale IMO.
460 characters
3.75/5 rDev +6.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Pours orange-brown with 1/4 inch head. Tastes like a good amber ale mixed with cinnamon and clove. Nice mixture of beer and pumpkin. One to have several of.
158 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Pours orange-brown with 1/4 inch head. Tastes like a good amber ale mixed with cinnamon and clove. Nice mixture of beer and pumpkin. One to have several of.
158 characters
New Holland Ichabod Ale from New Holland Brewing Company
3.51
out of 5
based on 1,581 ratings.
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Appearance: amber red with orange highlights, thick creamy off white head, good clarity
Aroma: toasted pumpkin seeds, caramel, little bready
Taste: malty, with hints rather than gobs of pumpkin flavor. Very balanced in terms of traditional caramel malt, pumpkin, and spice flavor. The pumpkin shines on the finish.
Mouthfeel: full bodied, slightly chewy, medium low carbonation
Overall: quite possibly the most balanced of the pumpkin ales in terms of real malty beer flavor and pumpkin spice. Very pleasant and easy to drink despite full body and slightly chewy mouthfeel. A great pumpkin ale overall. Another fantastic beer from New Holland!
649 characters