Pumpkin Ale
BrickHouse Brewery

 

I gave it a try first as part of their sampler. I noticed something around the rim of the tasting glass...dirt? Residue? It was a cinnamon-y/sugar combo...the rim of the glass was dipped in, sort of a marguerita/salt style.

I am sure many "serious" beer drinkers would scoff at the notion, but it was good and added a nice festive touch to the ale. I even ordered a pint after the sampler.

The beer itself had a dark coppery color. It smelled pleasant,with gentle hints of the spicy, nutmeg aroma. It was not overpowering. A pleasant, smooth drink.

Pumpkin beers can be hit or miss. This was a hit. Drinkable and smooth. Sweet, but not too too sweet (I am sure you can ask for no suger on the rim if you want as well).

This beer pours a very pale amber color with a small white head. To be honest it didn't look much like a pumpkin brew, so I was skeptical. The aroma was sweet and spicy, with hints of nutmeg and cinnamon.

Fortunately my skepticism was unfounded, as this is a tasty pumpkin ale. Sweet nutmeg, cinnamon, and pumpkin flavors compliment the caramel malt without becoming too sweet or spice-filled. I was pleasantly surprised by this one, it's light, sweet, and an easy drinker. Nicely done.

This pumpkin beer poured nicely with a small fluffy head that hung around almost till the beer was gone. It's definitely lighter than most pumpkin ales but it isnt a bad thing at all in this case. The flavor is very crisp and refreshing. No artificial tasting flavors in here. The spice is just enough but not overpowering. I could drink a ton of these! It's also currently (11/28/06) on tap at The Bellport in Bellport village where the chef Taylor insists its great with a slice of orange and a rim of brown sugar. I'd never head of pairing a pumpkin ale with an orange slice and I couldnt make up my mind whether I liked it or not. The brown sugar is pretty common with pumpkin ales at brewpubs and Brickhouse will do the same unless you tell them to hold it. Overall a wonderfully drinkable pumpkin ale.

Poured a light copper hue with a one finger foamy white head. There was good retention and lacing.

The smell featured fresh pumpkin and mild allspice aromas. There was a solid grain as well.

The taste also featured a fresh pumpkin flavor with a compliment of allspice and cinammon. There was a serious biscuity grain as well.

The mouthfeel was good, not overly carbonated.

Overall a very good and fresh pumpkin ale. Very drinkable. If it could only be more than just a seasonal offering.