Imperial Pumpkin Ale
Weyerbacher Brewing Co.
Beer Geek Stats:
| Print Shelf Talker
- Style:
- Pumpkin Beer
Ranked #32 - ABV:
- 8%
- Score:
- 88
Ranked #11,560 - Avg:
- 3.92 | pDev: 13.27%
- Reviews:
- 1,034
- Ratings:
- From:
- Weyerbacher Brewing Co.
- Pennsylvania, United States
- Avail:
- Fall
- Wants
- 163
- Gots
- 502
SCORE
88
Very Good
88
Very Good
Notes:
We set out to make a bold monument for The King of the Pumpkins!
This 8.0% ABV pumpkin ale is the mother of all pumpkin ales. It is heartier, spicier and more “caramelly” and “pumpkiny” than its faint brethren! We have added lots of pumpkin along with cinnamon, nutmeg and a touch of cardamom and clove, giving this beer a spicy, full-bodied flavor.
This truly is an Imperial Pumpkin Ale. Perfect finisher on a cool autumn night or match it up with a slice of pumpkin pie and fresh whipped cream.
This 8.0% ABV pumpkin ale is the mother of all pumpkin ales. It is heartier, spicier and more “caramelly” and “pumpkiny” than its faint brethren! We have added lots of pumpkin along with cinnamon, nutmeg and a touch of cardamom and clove, giving this beer a spicy, full-bodied flavor.
This truly is an Imperial Pumpkin Ale. Perfect finisher on a cool autumn night or match it up with a slice of pumpkin pie and fresh whipped cream.
Reviews: 1,034
| Ratings: 2,771
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Amendm from Rhode Island
3.95/5 rDev +0.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
A strong pour from a 12-oz. can yields a finger of creamy light beige foam with short retention and a few small spots of lace. Hazy translucent brown-orange color.
Pumpkin spice and cooked pumpkin greet the nose with sweet malt and rising dough.
On the border of semi-sweet and neutral with low bitterness and moderate spice.
Malt forward from a blend of pale and caramel malts with lightly toasted wheat, this is balanced by pumpkin. A quick, clean finish with a light aftertaste of peppery spice.
Average body, below average carbonation*. Outstanding balance between sweet/spice and malt/pumpkin. If I did not know the ABV was 8% I'd call this beer session-able.
* It went a little flat at the end, I recommend a moderate pour shooting for a 1/2 finger.
Oct 17, 2019
3.95/5 rDev +0.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
A strong pour from a 12-oz. can yields a finger of creamy light beige foam with short retention and a few small spots of lace. Hazy translucent brown-orange color.
Pumpkin spice and cooked pumpkin greet the nose with sweet malt and rising dough.
On the border of semi-sweet and neutral with low bitterness and moderate spice.
Malt forward from a blend of pale and caramel malts with lightly toasted wheat, this is balanced by pumpkin. A quick, clean finish with a light aftertaste of peppery spice.
Average body, below average carbonation*. Outstanding balance between sweet/spice and malt/pumpkin. If I did not know the ABV was 8% I'd call this beer session-able.
* It went a little flat at the end, I recommend a moderate pour shooting for a 1/2 finger.
Oct 17, 2019
Steve_Studnuts from Pennsylvania
3.8/5 rDev -3.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
It's, you know, deep golden orange or whatever. If you're on this website you know what a pumpkin ale looks like and don't need me to explain it to you. Ditto with the scent. There's gourd, there's cinnamon and there's nutmeg. There's a biscuity malt backbone. It smells like pumpkin pie, yo. You like pumpkin pie, right? Sure you do; you're no commie. Unless you are. In which case, hey, no judgment from me. Democracy is better in theory than execution. But this isn't about governments. This is about Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin Ale, which isn't bad. It's good! I'd drink it again! In fact, I'm pretty sure I will! I bought 4 of them and I'm not sharing! Suck it, grandma!
Oct 06, 2019
3.8/5 rDev -3.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
It's, you know, deep golden orange or whatever. If you're on this website you know what a pumpkin ale looks like and don't need me to explain it to you. Ditto with the scent. There's gourd, there's cinnamon and there's nutmeg. There's a biscuity malt backbone. It smells like pumpkin pie, yo. You like pumpkin pie, right? Sure you do; you're no commie. Unless you are. In which case, hey, no judgment from me. Democracy is better in theory than execution. But this isn't about governments. This is about Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin Ale, which isn't bad. It's good! I'd drink it again! In fact, I'm pretty sure I will! I bought 4 of them and I'm not sharing! Suck it, grandma!
Oct 06, 2019
EnderFett11 from Virginia
4.06/5 rDev +3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured fairly quickly from a 12 oz can, which created a very large amount of frothy white head that faded quickly. Deep brownish orange color, quite clear. Smells mostly of pumpkin and cinnamon. Taste is fairly spice heavy, with pumpkin coming through first, then prominent cinnamon with a big of nutmeg flavor. As it warms, the pumpkin becomes more intense with the spices staying similar at the back end. Pretty solid imperial pumpkin ale, but better cold and not my preference over Twisted Gourd.
Sep 25, 2019
4.06/5 rDev +3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured fairly quickly from a 12 oz can, which created a very large amount of frothy white head that faded quickly. Deep brownish orange color, quite clear. Smells mostly of pumpkin and cinnamon. Taste is fairly spice heavy, with pumpkin coming through first, then prominent cinnamon with a big of nutmeg flavor. As it warms, the pumpkin becomes more intense with the spices staying similar at the back end. Pretty solid imperial pumpkin ale, but better cold and not my preference over Twisted Gourd.
Sep 25, 2019
GuyFawkes from Illinois
4.25/5 rDev +8.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Looks very similar to fresh apple cider.
Minimal head which instantly dissipates. No lacing.
Nose is of spice and pumpkin; probably shouldn't be surprised! Touch of cream soda as well.
Medium mouthfeel, leaning towards thin.
Taste? A well-spiced pumpkin pie. Pumpkin up front; the spices hit you on the back end. Cinnamon is prominent. Definitely not an everyday beer, but they nailed the style they were going for, no question. If it were a tad less thin, I'd enjoy it just a bit more; still, very worthy.
Apr 15, 2019
4.25/5 rDev +8.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Looks very similar to fresh apple cider.
Minimal head which instantly dissipates. No lacing.
Nose is of spice and pumpkin; probably shouldn't be surprised! Touch of cream soda as well.
Medium mouthfeel, leaning towards thin.
Taste? A well-spiced pumpkin pie. Pumpkin up front; the spices hit you on the back end. Cinnamon is prominent. Definitely not an everyday beer, but they nailed the style they were going for, no question. If it were a tad less thin, I'd enjoy it just a bit more; still, very worthy.
Apr 15, 2019
mothmanscott from Georgia
3.52/5 rDev -10.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
From notes 22512: Pours ruby orange producing 2 fingers of beige, foamy, somewhat lasting head that leave a fair amount of patchy and filmy lace. Aroma is vegetable, pumpkin pie, heavy on spices especially cloves. There is something abut the nose that is faintly reminiscent of flat "Dr. Pepper". Except for the "Dr. Pepper" the taste is the same but here ginger and cinnamon dominate, pumpkin is subdued and the sweet, clove, slightly boozy finish presents little or no hop presence (which may be masked by the spices). Drinkability declines with each sip and becomes unpleasant by the time you reach the bottom of the glass.
Dec 03, 2018
3.52/5 rDev -10.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
From notes 22512: Pours ruby orange producing 2 fingers of beige, foamy, somewhat lasting head that leave a fair amount of patchy and filmy lace. Aroma is vegetable, pumpkin pie, heavy on spices especially cloves. There is something abut the nose that is faintly reminiscent of flat "Dr. Pepper". Except for the "Dr. Pepper" the taste is the same but here ginger and cinnamon dominate, pumpkin is subdued and the sweet, clove, slightly boozy finish presents little or no hop presence (which may be masked by the spices). Drinkability declines with each sip and becomes unpleasant by the time you reach the bottom of the glass.
Dec 03, 2018
Billybrewer from Delaware
4.29/5 rDev +9.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
I like my pumpkin beers spiced and this one is very nicely spiced. Great nose as well. This is easily available in stores near us so it’s nicevto have a go to.
Oct 13, 2018
4.29/5 rDev +9.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
I like my pumpkin beers spiced and this one is very nicely spiced. Great nose as well. This is easily available in stores near us so it’s nicevto have a go to.
Oct 13, 2018
Nass from Florida
4/5 rDev +2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I really like the bright blue ink that they use for there bottled on date for this beer, it is so easy to read. There is a fair amount of pumpkin in the taste, but I am picking up more of the spices especially the cinnamon. I am getting some of the alcohol in the taste, this should be hidden a little better than that for an 8% abv pumpkin ale. It is not too overwhelming in the taste but the alcohol presence is there & it is muting some of the flavor that's in this beer. With all the effort that they put into the label design & bottled on date I expected something a little better than what I am tasting. Cheers! B
Oct 08, 2018
4/5 rDev +2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I really like the bright blue ink that they use for there bottled on date for this beer, it is so easy to read. There is a fair amount of pumpkin in the taste, but I am picking up more of the spices especially the cinnamon. I am getting some of the alcohol in the taste, this should be hidden a little better than that for an 8% abv pumpkin ale. It is not too overwhelming in the taste but the alcohol presence is there & it is muting some of the flavor that's in this beer. With all the effort that they put into the label design & bottled on date I expected something a little better than what I am tasting. Cheers! B
Oct 08, 2018
ajm5108 from Pennsylvania
2.55/5 rDev -34.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.25 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5
Amber, thin head, lacks density. Nose leans heavy on the cardamom & clove - some of those semi-softer spice smells don't assert themselves enough, and it is mostly nutmeg. Taste follows the same pattern, just worse - the cardamom especially is very heavy, and overwhelms the palate. Really needs more cinammon and nutmeg to balance it out. The malt base is very pale and cardboad-y which doesn't help. Traces of sweet pumpkin / yam but it is so far buried that you really have to strain to detect it. I don't mind pumpkin beers like some but this was too spicey in my opinion.
Oct 22, 2017
2.55/5 rDev -34.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.25 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5
Amber, thin head, lacks density. Nose leans heavy on the cardamom & clove - some of those semi-softer spice smells don't assert themselves enough, and it is mostly nutmeg. Taste follows the same pattern, just worse - the cardamom especially is very heavy, and overwhelms the palate. Really needs more cinammon and nutmeg to balance it out. The malt base is very pale and cardboad-y which doesn't help. Traces of sweet pumpkin / yam but it is so far buried that you really have to strain to detect it. I don't mind pumpkin beers like some but this was too spicey in my opinion.
Oct 22, 2017
Lone_Freighter from Vermont
4/5 rDev +2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Treated as an imperial ale, this was poured into a tulip. The appearance was a ruddy burnt amber to orange color with no head or lace. The aroma starts off semi-sweet pumpkin fleshiness hitting against subtle spices of allspice, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves; well balanced. The flavor leans somewhat spicy with a gentle sweetness underneath. Sweet pumpkin flesh rides into the aftertaste and quickly hits the finish, that ends up being slightly spicy - just a little bit. On the palate, this one sat about a light to medium on the body with a nice sessionable to sipping quality sticking to my tongue appropriately. Spices create enough harshness but gentle enough. Overall, damn nice imperial pumpkin ale that i would love to have again.
Jun 17, 2017
4/5 rDev +2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Treated as an imperial ale, this was poured into a tulip. The appearance was a ruddy burnt amber to orange color with no head or lace. The aroma starts off semi-sweet pumpkin fleshiness hitting against subtle spices of allspice, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves; well balanced. The flavor leans somewhat spicy with a gentle sweetness underneath. Sweet pumpkin flesh rides into the aftertaste and quickly hits the finish, that ends up being slightly spicy - just a little bit. On the palate, this one sat about a light to medium on the body with a nice sessionable to sipping quality sticking to my tongue appropriately. Spices create enough harshness but gentle enough. Overall, damn nice imperial pumpkin ale that i would love to have again.
Jun 17, 2017
TurnipEntropy from Virginia
4.35/5 rDev +11%
look: 5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25
Bottled on 08(Aug)/02/16, opened 04(April)/08/17 after near constant refrigeration. Poured into a snifter, drank after slight warming.
Look: hard poor resulted in a thin bubbly head. The amber color has a slight orange hue to it. Overall, this is exactly how I want a pumpkin ale to look.
Smell: hits you the second you open the bottle. The smell is dominated by a bready, caramel malt and cinnamon, although clove does manage to come through. It's also slightly boozy. I do not smell the nutmeg or cardamom.
Taste: sweet, but it's a pumpkin ale, so what did you expect? Almost all of the flavors actually come through in this beer, which I've never experienced before from a pumpkin ale. Upfront you get the sweetness and the malt, but the cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove settle in, making this a great beer to sip at. I don't personally get the cardamom. What kept me from giving it a higher score on taste is that the cinnamon tastes a little like fake cinnamon. Since the beer was old, I didn't count not tasting the cardamom against it.
Feel: smooth, refreshing, and a very slight bitter tingle.
Overall, smell and taste matter the most to me, so 4.25. This was an excellent purchase. If you've been searching for a good pumpkin ale, buy this beer ASAP.
Apr 09, 2017
4.35/5 rDev +11%
look: 5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25
Bottled on 08(Aug)/02/16, opened 04(April)/08/17 after near constant refrigeration. Poured into a snifter, drank after slight warming.
Look: hard poor resulted in a thin bubbly head. The amber color has a slight orange hue to it. Overall, this is exactly how I want a pumpkin ale to look.
Smell: hits you the second you open the bottle. The smell is dominated by a bready, caramel malt and cinnamon, although clove does manage to come through. It's also slightly boozy. I do not smell the nutmeg or cardamom.
Taste: sweet, but it's a pumpkin ale, so what did you expect? Almost all of the flavors actually come through in this beer, which I've never experienced before from a pumpkin ale. Upfront you get the sweetness and the malt, but the cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove settle in, making this a great beer to sip at. I don't personally get the cardamom. What kept me from giving it a higher score on taste is that the cinnamon tastes a little like fake cinnamon. Since the beer was old, I didn't count not tasting the cardamom against it.
Feel: smooth, refreshing, and a very slight bitter tingle.
Overall, smell and taste matter the most to me, so 4.25. This was an excellent purchase. If you've been searching for a good pumpkin ale, buy this beer ASAP.
Apr 09, 2017
The-Adjunct-Hippie from South Dakota
3.71/5 rDev -5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Dark cinnamon-pumpkin color with a small ring of bubbly head.
Aroma is beautiful. Warm brandy, hot cinnamon, cardamom, clove, pepper, potpourri.
Taste is a little bit of a let down, as the spices are far gone, could be due to age. It's still got some of the cinnamon and potpourri flavors there, along with a lot of club soda.
Feel is hot (boozy), and very carbonated. Leaves a sticky, dry finish.
Overall, I can't knock this one too much. It's pretty tasty even after the spices have fallen off. I'll revisit it again this fall.
Mar 26, 2017
3.71/5 rDev -5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Dark cinnamon-pumpkin color with a small ring of bubbly head.
Aroma is beautiful. Warm brandy, hot cinnamon, cardamom, clove, pepper, potpourri.
Taste is a little bit of a let down, as the spices are far gone, could be due to age. It's still got some of the cinnamon and potpourri flavors there, along with a lot of club soda.
Feel is hot (boozy), and very carbonated. Leaves a sticky, dry finish.
Overall, I can't knock this one too much. It's pretty tasty even after the spices have fallen off. I'll revisit it again this fall.
Mar 26, 2017
NilocRellim from Minnesota
3.97/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Pours a clear red colour. Smells syrupy, ginger, juicy pumpkin pulp, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Tastes like it smells, juicy pumpkin pulp, sweet and malty throughout, date syrup, ginger, spiced hop at the end, and maybe some cinnamon.
Dec 28, 2016
3.97/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Pours a clear red colour. Smells syrupy, ginger, juicy pumpkin pulp, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Tastes like it smells, juicy pumpkin pulp, sweet and malty throughout, date syrup, ginger, spiced hop at the end, and maybe some cinnamon.
Dec 28, 2016
Harrison8 from Missouri
3.91/5 rDev -0.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Pours a murky burnt-pumpkin with a finger of dark-khaki head. Head retention is decent with no lacing left behind. Aroma is hearty, with notes of pumpkin, holiday spices, biscuit and toasted malts, butter, and caramel. Nice and full aroma. Flavor profile has pumpkins, and holiday spices right up front. As the holiday spices linger and dwindle away, notes of toasted malts, caramel, and burnt sugar pop up. Very flavorful. Mouth feel is medium-thick, with a hearty, filling feel. Overall, a fantastic, bold rendition of pumpkin beer, at least if you enjoy complex flavors. Holiday spices are plentiful, but edge onto the side of over powering.
Served in a 12oz snifter.
Dec 15, 2016
3.91/5 rDev -0.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Pours a murky burnt-pumpkin with a finger of dark-khaki head. Head retention is decent with no lacing left behind. Aroma is hearty, with notes of pumpkin, holiday spices, biscuit and toasted malts, butter, and caramel. Nice and full aroma. Flavor profile has pumpkins, and holiday spices right up front. As the holiday spices linger and dwindle away, notes of toasted malts, caramel, and burnt sugar pop up. Very flavorful. Mouth feel is medium-thick, with a hearty, filling feel. Overall, a fantastic, bold rendition of pumpkin beer, at least if you enjoy complex flavors. Holiday spices are plentiful, but edge onto the side of over powering.
Served in a 12oz snifter.
Dec 15, 2016
dacrza1 from New Jersey
4.25/5 rDev +8.4%
look: 3 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
DATE: October 7, 2016... OCCASION: made it through another week of school... GLASSWARE: Maudite snifter...pours a dark amber, almost mahogany body with a busy, bubbly body that cannot sustain the fizzy, off-white head--a placid surface collects the occasional bubble, but the alcohol halts any impressive froth... BIG, powerful cinnamon, caramel, gingerbread and nutmeg promise BIG things in the profile... some hops also wrapped with a breath of alcohol... a medium-bodied, oily, bourbon-evoking draw... the profile is profoundly ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg--a dessert in and of itself... outstanding, strong, and worth the price tag.... another strong Weyerbacher product that seems bigger than its 8% ABV... right up there with other high ABV pumpkin ales...
Nov 19, 2016
4.25/5 rDev +8.4%
look: 3 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
DATE: October 7, 2016... OCCASION: made it through another week of school... GLASSWARE: Maudite snifter...pours a dark amber, almost mahogany body with a busy, bubbly body that cannot sustain the fizzy, off-white head--a placid surface collects the occasional bubble, but the alcohol halts any impressive froth... BIG, powerful cinnamon, caramel, gingerbread and nutmeg promise BIG things in the profile... some hops also wrapped with a breath of alcohol... a medium-bodied, oily, bourbon-evoking draw... the profile is profoundly ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg--a dessert in and of itself... outstanding, strong, and worth the price tag.... another strong Weyerbacher product that seems bigger than its 8% ABV... right up there with other high ABV pumpkin ales...
Nov 19, 2016
Meyers1023 from New York
3.59/5 rDev -8.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Poured a reddish color with very little tan bubbly head. The smell has a lot of sweetness to it before the other spices kick in, made me very wary of the beer. Flavor is very well balanced. The sweetness of the pumpkin and cinnamon start off but the nutmeg transitions it to the clover and more savory spices. This is a good pumpkin ale, great combination of flavors, not too sweet but very seasonally spiced.
Nov 05, 2016
3.59/5 rDev -8.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Poured a reddish color with very little tan bubbly head. The smell has a lot of sweetness to it before the other spices kick in, made me very wary of the beer. Flavor is very well balanced. The sweetness of the pumpkin and cinnamon start off but the nutmeg transitions it to the clover and more savory spices. This is a good pumpkin ale, great combination of flavors, not too sweet but very seasonally spiced.
Nov 05, 2016
jjamadorphd from Florida
4.28/5 rDev +9.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
I am making an effort to try a variety of pumpkin beers this year and I have come across this - so glad I did.
I'll just start off by saying this is probably the best pumpkin ale I have had to date. And I can't think of coming across another one better (but here's to hoping.) Anyway, though the brew pours no head and it has zero lacing, it has a rich pumpkin look - liquid pumpkin if you will. The scent is a perfect blend of pumpkin, spice, and hops, neither one overpowering or stepping on the other. I found it crisp to the tongue as well as silky and smooth, the carbonation was easily ignored in this brew. At an 8% ABV, the ale, the pumpkin flavor and the spicy malts all seem to blend as well as they do to the nose. This is by far a truly special beer - pumpkin or not.
Nov 05, 2016
4.28/5 rDev +9.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
I am making an effort to try a variety of pumpkin beers this year and I have come across this - so glad I did.
I'll just start off by saying this is probably the best pumpkin ale I have had to date. And I can't think of coming across another one better (but here's to hoping.) Anyway, though the brew pours no head and it has zero lacing, it has a rich pumpkin look - liquid pumpkin if you will. The scent is a perfect blend of pumpkin, spice, and hops, neither one overpowering or stepping on the other. I found it crisp to the tongue as well as silky and smooth, the carbonation was easily ignored in this brew. At an 8% ABV, the ale, the pumpkin flavor and the spicy malts all seem to blend as well as they do to the nose. This is by far a truly special beer - pumpkin or not.
Nov 05, 2016
Im4jojo from Massachusetts
4.85/5 rDev +23.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Aroma: Sweet and malty. Spicy pumpkin.
Appearance: Foggy orange glow, reminiscent of a lit Jack-o- lantern. Unfiltered? Not much carbonation here. Poured into a tulip glass, it revealed a pencil-thin head. Little lacing left behind.
Taste: I taste cardamom right up front. The rest of the pumpkin pie spices hang-out in the back.
Overall: Very warming. Enjoyable. Nice to sip on a Fall day.
Oct 22, 2016
4.85/5 rDev +23.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Aroma: Sweet and malty. Spicy pumpkin.
Appearance: Foggy orange glow, reminiscent of a lit Jack-o- lantern. Unfiltered? Not much carbonation here. Poured into a tulip glass, it revealed a pencil-thin head. Little lacing left behind.
Taste: I taste cardamom right up front. The rest of the pumpkin pie spices hang-out in the back.
Overall: Very warming. Enjoyable. Nice to sip on a Fall day.
Oct 22, 2016
seedyone from New York
4.57/5 rDev +16.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
From bottle at home, dated 7/20/16. Seems like a early bird looking to perch on the retail shelves before Labor Day.
First glass had a decent beige head that forgot to leave any lacing & the second glass had very little effervescence.
Cosmetics aside this is one tasty pumpkin ale. Forcing myself to ignore the substantial 8% ABV (a + in my book) reading that there was cardamom within was a surprise. Seems these guys were set on making something different in what has become a crowded & cliched genre.
Cutting to the chase: I like this one & I've had a few varieties.
Oct 13, 2016
4.57/5 rDev +16.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
From bottle at home, dated 7/20/16. Seems like a early bird looking to perch on the retail shelves before Labor Day.
First glass had a decent beige head that forgot to leave any lacing & the second glass had very little effervescence.
Cosmetics aside this is one tasty pumpkin ale. Forcing myself to ignore the substantial 8% ABV (a + in my book) reading that there was cardamom within was a surprise. Seems these guys were set on making something different in what has become a crowded & cliched genre.
Cutting to the chase: I like this one & I've had a few varieties.
Oct 13, 2016
98green from Michigan
3.85/5 rDev -1.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
On tap. Amber and clear. Lots of cinnamon and clove smell. Taste delivers more of the spice. Plenty of sweet malt body too. I like this quite s bit. I'd try this again
Oct 12, 2016
3.85/5 rDev -1.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
On tap. Amber and clear. Lots of cinnamon and clove smell. Taste delivers more of the spice. Plenty of sweet malt body too. I like this quite s bit. I'd try this again
Oct 12, 2016
kojevergas from Colorado
3.4/5 rDev -13.3%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Nabbed this puppy in Brooklyn.
8% ABV. Brewed 07/20/16. Best before: 03/20/17. "Ale brewed with pumpkin and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves).
HEAD: Pale khaki. Poor (~30 second) retention. No lacing.
BODY: Clear deep amber of average vibrance. No yeast or particulate is visible.
AROMA: Pumpkin gourd. Clove, nutmeg, cinnamon. (I do have to draw the line at identifying cardamom).
Aromatic intensity is average.
TASTE: Has the usual pumpkin spice (nutmeg, clove, some cassia but not true cinnamon). Malty sweetness/amber malts. Shallow pumpkin gourd. It's decently balanced but lacks depth of flavour. I do like it and it hides its high ABV well, but it's wanting in terms of complexity, subtlety, and depth of flavour.
Sweetness is a bit high if we're nitpicking balance.
TEXTURE: Smooth, wet, light to medium-bodied, sticky. Well-carbonated.
OVERALL: Drinkable and approachable fare, especially for its high ABV. But it feels a bit flat in terms of both undercarbonation and depth of flavour, lacking the expressive evocative flavours that make one fall in love with a proper pumpkin ale. As much as I adore many a Weyerbacher brew, this isn't one of their stronger offerings and I don't know that I'd purchase it again. More than competent, but it can't quite compete with great style paragons like, say, Whole Hog.
B- (3.40) / WORTHY
Oct 06, 2016
3.4/5 rDev -13.3%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Nabbed this puppy in Brooklyn.
8% ABV. Brewed 07/20/16. Best before: 03/20/17. "Ale brewed with pumpkin and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves).
HEAD: Pale khaki. Poor (~30 second) retention. No lacing.
BODY: Clear deep amber of average vibrance. No yeast or particulate is visible.
AROMA: Pumpkin gourd. Clove, nutmeg, cinnamon. (I do have to draw the line at identifying cardamom).
Aromatic intensity is average.
TASTE: Has the usual pumpkin spice (nutmeg, clove, some cassia but not true cinnamon). Malty sweetness/amber malts. Shallow pumpkin gourd. It's decently balanced but lacks depth of flavour. I do like it and it hides its high ABV well, but it's wanting in terms of complexity, subtlety, and depth of flavour.
Sweetness is a bit high if we're nitpicking balance.
TEXTURE: Smooth, wet, light to medium-bodied, sticky. Well-carbonated.
OVERALL: Drinkable and approachable fare, especially for its high ABV. But it feels a bit flat in terms of both undercarbonation and depth of flavour, lacking the expressive evocative flavours that make one fall in love with a proper pumpkin ale. As much as I adore many a Weyerbacher brew, this isn't one of their stronger offerings and I don't know that I'd purchase it again. More than competent, but it can't quite compete with great style paragons like, say, Whole Hog.
B- (3.40) / WORTHY
Oct 06, 2016
descobar from Florida
3.17/5 rDev -19.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
aged 3+ years... pours deep amber/copper with an initially off-white head that quickly disappears. there is visible sediment in the snifter. aromas are all the expected pumpkin and spices but pungent in a good way. flavor are all caramel and pumpkin with the spices not as prominent as in the aroma. body is med to full and the texture oily and rich. carbonation is minimal at this point and the remaining bitterness shows up in the finish with a bit of alcohol heat. -- shows very little if any oxydation from the ageing.
Oct 06, 2016
3.17/5 rDev -19.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
aged 3+ years... pours deep amber/copper with an initially off-white head that quickly disappears. there is visible sediment in the snifter. aromas are all the expected pumpkin and spices but pungent in a good way. flavor are all caramel and pumpkin with the spices not as prominent as in the aroma. body is med to full and the texture oily and rich. carbonation is minimal at this point and the remaining bitterness shows up in the finish with a bit of alcohol heat. -- shows very little if any oxydation from the ageing.
Oct 06, 2016
Franziskaner from Missouri
3.54/5 rDev -9.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Chocolate brown with faint amber highlights with a moderate haziness. There's a trace of tan head on top covering less than a quarter of the top. I smell pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, cinnamon, and faint clove. I'm tasting strong nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon. The mouth is heavily spiced and a bit warm with alcohol.
Oct 02, 2016
3.54/5 rDev -9.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Chocolate brown with faint amber highlights with a moderate haziness. There's a trace of tan head on top covering less than a quarter of the top. I smell pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, cinnamon, and faint clove. I'm tasting strong nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon. The mouth is heavily spiced and a bit warm with alcohol.
Oct 02, 2016
TH28 from Florida
3.4/5 rDev -13.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5
12oz bottle. 7/14/16 bottle date. Appearance: Dark brown, hazy, with an off white foam head. Aroma: Smells like Big Red. Strong cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Like pumpkin pie. Cinnamon definitely stronger than most other pumpkin ales. Taste: Moderate malt sweetness, with some toasted and nutty notes, with light pumpkin pie spicing. Cinnamon and nutmeg are noticeable, but restrained. Pretty high bitterness for the style. Mouthfeel: Light to medium bodied, a little thin for a beer with this ABV. Alcohol warmth is quite strong. Low carbonation. Finish: Pumpkin spicing really lingers here, with a surprising amount of grassy bitterness. Overall: Pretty run of the mill pumpkin ale. Strong cinnamon and bitterness compared to others, with a disappointing under carbonation that leaves the beer flat. Body is thin for the high ABV, making the alcohol feel very warm. Could be better and more balance simply by increasing the body and carbonation.
Sep 04, 2016
3.4/5 rDev -13.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5
12oz bottle. 7/14/16 bottle date. Appearance: Dark brown, hazy, with an off white foam head. Aroma: Smells like Big Red. Strong cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Like pumpkin pie. Cinnamon definitely stronger than most other pumpkin ales. Taste: Moderate malt sweetness, with some toasted and nutty notes, with light pumpkin pie spicing. Cinnamon and nutmeg are noticeable, but restrained. Pretty high bitterness for the style. Mouthfeel: Light to medium bodied, a little thin for a beer with this ABV. Alcohol warmth is quite strong. Low carbonation. Finish: Pumpkin spicing really lingers here, with a surprising amount of grassy bitterness. Overall: Pretty run of the mill pumpkin ale. Strong cinnamon and bitterness compared to others, with a disappointing under carbonation that leaves the beer flat. Body is thin for the high ABV, making the alcohol feel very warm. Could be better and more balance simply by increasing the body and carbonation.
Sep 04, 2016
Whey2Hoppy from New Jersey
4.06/5 rDev +3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Appearance: Very murky orange amber color. Almost no head or lacing.
Smell: Smells like a legit pumpkin pie in my glass. They NAILED the smell.
Taste: Holy shit, they nailed it again. It follows the nose in the huge upfront burst of all those pumpkin spices we know and love, with a bit of malts and booze on the back end of the sip. Maybe just a tad too boozy for my tastes, which is the only major negative here. Not cloyingly sweet either.
Feel: Oily, slick body with a fair amount of carbonation.
Overall: One of the most well known pumpkin beers for a reason. It basically tastes like a very boozy version of pumpkin pie that isn't sweet enough to give you diabetes.
Sep 04, 2016
4.06/5 rDev +3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Appearance: Very murky orange amber color. Almost no head or lacing.
Smell: Smells like a legit pumpkin pie in my glass. They NAILED the smell.
Taste: Holy shit, they nailed it again. It follows the nose in the huge upfront burst of all those pumpkin spices we know and love, with a bit of malts and booze on the back end of the sip. Maybe just a tad too boozy for my tastes, which is the only major negative here. Not cloyingly sweet either.
Feel: Oily, slick body with a fair amount of carbonation.
Overall: One of the most well known pumpkin beers for a reason. It basically tastes like a very boozy version of pumpkin pie that isn't sweet enough to give you diabetes.
Sep 04, 2016
Tripel_Threat from Michigan
3.84/5 rDev -2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Brew has a warm, baked aroma, like pie crust and spices. Caramel malts. Taste is pumpkin pie spices, malt, dark bread and plums. Pours a tawny color with little foam, with no lacing or retention. If you really gotta have a pumpkin ale (not really my thing) this is a good way to go.
May 15, 2016
3.84/5 rDev -2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Brew has a warm, baked aroma, like pie crust and spices. Caramel malts. Taste is pumpkin pie spices, malt, dark bread and plums. Pours a tawny color with little foam, with no lacing or retention. If you really gotta have a pumpkin ale (not really my thing) this is a good way to go.
May 15, 2016
Imperial Pumpkin Ale from Weyerbacher Brewing Co.
Beer rating:
88 out of
100 with
2771 ratings
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