Pumking
Growler served in shaker pint. A: Clear straw color with hints of orange and gold. Small head fizzles out very quickly, which is a function of this being served from a growler. This beer does have a nice head initially when served on tap. Either way, it's never a visually stunning beer. S: Reminds me of pumpkin roll pastry or pumpkin cookies. Nutmeg and cinnamon. Maybe some allspice. Graham cracker. A little vanilla extract. Suggestions of pumpkin, but no actual pumpkin. Malt and hop scents are virtually non-existent. Very aromatic. T: Starts off with a quick dose of pumpkin flesh. Crackery malt. Pumpkin pie spice. Hop bitterness makes an appearance. Just a hint of booze (more than I remember from last year). Lingering finish is straight up pumpkin pie, but just a bit of astringency hangs around long after. M: Carbonation is a little off. It seems too prickly. If the mouthfeel was a little more viscous I would rate higher. D: Moderate. High ABV and intense flavor make this a sipper. This growler will take several sessions to finish. I always look forward to pumpkin beers. I'm not as crazy about Pumking as some folks are, but I do enjoy it. Something about this seasons brew makes it slightly less enjoyable than last years version. Of the handful of pumpkin beers I've sampled this year I think Smuttynose has been my favorite.