Pumpkin beer recommendations?

Rogue's uses real pumpkin.

 

I believe pumpkin ales should best be had in January. When they release they release these pumpkin ales in July/August - where are they getting fresh pumpkin?. Most pumpkins don't mature until August or September. One has to wonder if they're using frozen pumpkin from last year or a can of pumpkin pie filling. Yeah, I like the style but it would be more reliable in January.

 

Ah-ha!
I wondered if I missed Great'er Pumpkin last year, but maybe it wasn't released...

The last time I saw Great'er Pumpkin was in 2011.

This year's bottle design is different, the abv went up from 9 to 10%, and in my opinion, they produced a superior product - but again, my "taste memory" is two years old, so take it for what you will...

I would certainly recommend it as a barrel aged Imperial pumpkin ale though - it totally fits the bill.

 

You can find most by sorting by ABV:

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/style/72/?sort=abvD

 

Why the hell did you wait until noon to open your first bottle? If I have a day off, my first one is opened at sun rise! I love fall, but hate pumpkin beer! Thankfully I indulge in all the fresh hop beer I can get my hands on. Funny that it is so cold in WY already. It has been a very warm fall in WI so far. I guess it makes up for the cold snowy, rainy spring. Summer will eventually return, enjoy the fall!

 

Hows it drinking? I have a 2012 cellared right now.

 

the freshness doesnt add anything....fresh vs. frozen vs. cannned pumpkin, it still doesnt add much. its not like fresh hops where it slowly degrades after time. frozen steak still tastes like steak

 

Alewerks Pumpkin Ale-8% and outstanding...

 

Pretty good. I have around 2 2011's left and probably 7 2012's. I'm only gonna buy 4 of the 2013's as I have too damn much already!

 

Dark O the Moon is pretty tasty in my opinion. It's definitely better than the other pumpkin beers I've had from Eylsian.

 

Pumpkinator is deffinitly what you are looking for, a close second from your description would be IMO an Alaskan Oumpkin Porter, trust me it's great and thick

 

Alewerks Pumpkin Ale gets a second vote from me. Incredible beer.

 

And that's why I love this site.
The great Pumking from Southern Tier is spectacular this year.

 

If you do, I'm having this one tonight...Barrel aged:

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/2675/99271

 

Treat is tasty if you can get it, it was my favorite pumpkin beer, although I am not a huge pumpkin fan.

 

I agree! I live two miles from St. Arnold's brewery and currently aging two 2011 and five 2012 bottles of Pumpkinator! Pumpkinator was the beer that got me interested in craft beer because it was so darn good!

 

This is going to sound obvious, but just buy more variety to stock your fridge with. There are plenty of year round beers that should be available in your area. I think I have the opposite problem as you though, I drink all the dark high abv stuff in the summer and year round. I have a tough time finishing all my pale ales/IPA's and stuff like that.

 

I love the flavors of pumpkin and chocolate together. My wife makes awesome pumpkin chocolate chip muffins. I like to mix Southern Tier Pumking and Choklat together to accompany them. It's over the top amazing sensory overload.

 

Pumpkin adds body and feel not flavor.

 

If anyone is looking for Rock Art's Pumpkin Imperial Spruce Stout I can supply both fresh and aged bombers of both. Be more than happy to trade with anyone.