The cast of characters:
Shock Top: Pumpkin Wheat
A cloudy ale the color of pressed apple cider. Slightly sweet with the aroma of honey and light cinnamon. Brewed with pumpkin, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves-I think I taste ginger... This is a wonderful beer that would be great for sipping and perfect with a pork dinner!
Tommyknocker: Small Batch Pumpkin Harvest Ale
A very dark Ale, almost like a stout. They say it's made with pumpkin and a touch of molasses and spice. I can taste/smell the molasses, it almost smells a little smoky too, but I can't pick out any spices. While I don't think it's seasonal, boy this is good! If you like darker, heartier beers this one's fun to try.
Blue Point Brewing Company: Pumpkin Ale
A very pretty orange/amber colored ale. The bottle says it's a malt beverage brewed with pumpkin and spices. This has a very faint scent of fruit and cinnamon and is better at room temp. Not sweet but easy to drink, it also has a light spice aftertaste.
Harpoon Brewery: Pumpkin UFO-Unfiltered Pumpkin Ale
Another pretty orange/amber colored ale. Brewed with pumpkin and spices with spices added. This doesn't have any noticeable seasonal scent/flavor but I will say the word "caramel" did pop to my mind. It's a touch sweeter than the one above and has a slight cinnamon aftertaste. Serve cool not cold.
Smuttynose Brewing Co: Pumpkin Ale
A cloudy, orange ale. They say it's an ale brewed with pumpkin puree and spices. While it has a strong ale flavor, I don't pick up the pumpkin or spices. It's just a touch bitter too, which is funny because the very light honey scent would lead you to believe it would be sweeter. Not a fun beer or one I'd try again.
Six Point Craft Ales: Autumnation
An amber color slightly clearer and lighter than the other ales. My initial thought from both scent and taste is "bitter". They say it's made with ginger, spice, pumpkin and fresh-harvested wet hops. The predominant scent and flavor to me is grapefruit??? I didn't take one sip without making a face, this is not a pleasant beer. Of course that's my opinion, my son was surprised to hear this, he likes it.
So there you have it folks, if I wanted to showcase a pumpkin seasonal beer for a party (of the six shown) I'd pick Shock Top Pumpkin Wheat. It's not only easy to drink and you can taste the spices, but the bottle gives you instructions on how to pour it! Pour all but 1/2" into a glass, give the bottle a swirl and pour in the rest to release the spice aroma. It's just a fun beer!
The Bottle Shop
1837 East Passyunk Ave in South Philly.
If you're in the area, please stop by this female owned start-up business for your own tasting.
Have a happy day!
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