Pumpkin Ale
Presentation: Standard 12 ounce brown glass bottle sealed with a simple brass colored crown cap. One main black label (which differs from that shown on BA) has a picture of a cranky looking carved pumpkin face with orange text which refers to this as Pumpkin Ale. Bottom of the label states that this isbrewed with Pumpkin and Spices (Cinnamon Sticks, Nutmeg and Cloves). No strength or freshness dates. Appearance: Great presentation. Lightly hazed burnished copper body reflects the incandescent light with a refractive prowess forming orange-brown rays. Big off-white head on the pour but this soon settles down to a thin but consistently resilient &#8539; thick head. Smattered lacing with a healthy carbonation, which reinstates the head thickness when gently swirled. Nose: Massive punch of cloves, background is full of cinnamon, nutmeg, mixed Christmas spices and a warming aspect, but its all in order and under control. As it breathes the strength middles out and remains at a level that is appealing and never annoying. Taste: Feels like it starts more with toasted malts than any Pumpkin, though that may have just been my taste buds fooled by the first mouthful. After that a nicely balanced mix of Cinnamon, Nutmeg add a spiced feel adds to the more juicy squashed Pumpkins. Finishes with plenty of spices and a gentle malt sweetness. Lingers on the palate for a while. Mouthfeel: Has a healthy feel, but the depth of the textures seems a tad thin at times, or just above average at others. It seems to swing between the two and lend an overall light bodied feel. If there are any nit picks with this brew it is the fact that it probably has a bit too much of a watery nature to it. Drinkability: Im not one to ever pound a few Pumpkin Ales, even the ones I like, but I could certainly manage a couple of 12 ounce bottles of this one and it has a more appealing Drinkability than most. Overall: I sometimes shudder when I see Pumpkin Ales, often they are killed by the excessive use of all things Halloween, or worse, they turn out to be lame duck Amber Ales with a feint hint of nothing. OFallons offering is one of those that gets the balance just right for me. A solid offering and a good example of what I think a Pumpkin Ale should be. Cheers for this one Joe. Much appreciated.