Bear Brew Pumpkin Ale

Brewed by Bear Brew Pub (Black Bear Brewery)
Style: Spice/Herb/Vegetable
Orono, Maine USA

Draught pint at the brewpub on 12/28/05. The bartender called this a pumpkin stout, however after finishing, I can attest to its current name being more than appropriate. Weak head formation, only a light cover of beige head that recedes immediately to a ring, with no lacing. Body is dark auburn with light plum notes, borderline transparent/luscent. Aroma is a mix of light cinnamon, pumpkin meat and touches of vanilla. Very little beer aspect to the aroma, perhaps a touch of crystal malt sugars. The flavor is moderately spiced, with a tasteful amount of pumpkin meat, mostly towards the end. There is some light crystally malt, adding a light sweetness, but overall it remains quite dry. Some attempt at some toasted grains, but it dies a watery death, with a very low, seemingly undercarbonated body and a wet/watery, rather thin texture. Another, low-on-the-beer-aspect, spice/herb/vegetable, though the spicing is not overdone. Just too watery.

I had this a while ago, but I’m just getting around to reviewing it now. Tastes very much like pumpkinhead by shipyard, but not quite as refined. Had a decent appearance in the glass though, which is about the best attribute I’d give it.

Skeptical? You betcha. However, what sounded rather gross at first ended up being rather nice. The pumpkin appears mostly in a light yet lingering aftertaste. This sounds wierd, but its true: if you like beer and if you like pumpkin pie, I guarantee that you’ll like this.