Pumking
brought back a bottle with me to beijing. 22oz bomber, no date. originally purchased in mid-late july 2008, a new batch at julio's. had this near the end of a thanksgiving meal and also with dessert, at an american restaurant in beijing. poured into wine glass. golden amber with orange hue. faint haze, but still nearly clear. some head, but fades to just wisps and ring. almost no lace. savory aroma of buttery, heavily ripened pumpkin, almost meaty, and perhaps even approaching DMS in the over-cooked, over-ripe spectrum. sweet spices (cinnamon, and... dried ginger?) in the background taste is also similarly savory, with very ripe pumpkin or squash, and that DMS-like character... spices similar, but more subdued. yeast hint melds with a grassy hop edge, which provides moderate but noticeable bitterness. there is a fruitiness in the slightly bitter finish. smooth, but slightly thin. almost watery? some prickly sensations to the carbonation, but overall moderate. hmm... perhaps i need more reference points, this being my first pumpkin ale. but while interesting, and happy to try this for thanksgiving half a world away, i can't say i'm a fan... (NOTE: more positive re-review forthcoming)