Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Southern Tier Pumking - All Treat, No Trick

Yes, it IS the great pum-king Charlie Brown. What better way to watch this classic last night on TV, than to pour Southern Tier's attempt at a fall seasonal all spiced and hopped up into a smooth delicious treat. All the rave I've heard so far for this beer appears to be right on the money.
  • Pours very smoothly, producing minimal head even with a vigorous pour
  • Orangish-brown color (appropriate, me thinks)
  • Aroma of pumpkin spices, graham cracker crust, burnt hints as well
  • Taste of Pumpkin, Taste of Pumpkin Pie Spices (nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon), and Taste of solid malty and pumpkin base; amazing combination done well allowing individual flavors to still be identifiable
  • When swirled throughout my mouth, it reminds me of how a dollop of whipped cream on top of a piece of pumpkin pie can make for an even smoother, richer texture
  • Real pleasant little hop kick late in the finish
  • Aromas and flavors come out best when cooler serving temperature; that shouldn't be a problem given how good this is, you'll drink it quickly...though, watch the 9% ABV sneak up on you if you have more than one
I haven't raved like this about a beer for quite a while. Looks like this one will be making the Wow Beer List of 2007 for me. Pour yourself some of this treat tonight while waiting for the doorbell to ring...you won't be sorry.

7 comments:

Jeremy said...

I bought a case of this to split with coworkers after hearing from others about how great it was. Several people said that it tasted like "liquid pumpkin pie"... and I have to agree! It is an excellent beer... but not one that I would want more than one in a night... it has an overwhelming taste that I think is best in moderation.

Adam said...

Yeah! That's what I've been tellin' you guys. The Drafting Room had it on tap a few weeks ago and I haven't had a better pumpkin beer since.

I know I had this at The Flying Pig, but, it didn't hit me the same way. I wonder if it was the smoke or the beer lines or something.

Bryan Kolesar said...

And, we listened ;-)

Eli said...

I've had this on tap (at Fat Heads in Pittsburgh) and in the bottle and it is very good.

On the other hand, I found this spices to be a bit too present, in an almost throat grating way.

For my money, nothing beats Schlafly Pumpkin Ale, but good luck finding it out this way.

Bryan Kolesar said...

Schlafly is definitely elusive the farther away from the Mississippi that we get. I tend to hear good things from them. Maybe see them at a festival soon. Does it show up in the Pittsburgh area often?

Eli said...

Never, but I have a friend it St Louis that helps me out from time to time.

Bryan Kolesar said...

Friends like that are good people :)