Pumpkin Smashings: Part Two

Hello, again. Welcome to another dose of BrewSounds. Yesterday we looked at a monstrous Imperial Oktoberfest called The Kaiser. Today in our third segment of Autumn Ears & Beers, where I review Fall Seasonals, I want to bring us back to another Pumpkin Ale.

In Part One of Autumn Ears & Beers we looked at Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale. This beer was good stuff. Incredibly drinkable with a classy understated taste and great mouth-feel. But today I don't want understated. I want something bigger. I want to take what Imperial tends to impart upon beer(darker hues, heavier mouth-feel, higher abv., bigger malt characteristics) and  combine that with the deliciousness that is Pumpkin Ale.

Brewery:

Weyerbacher Brewing Company

Easton, Pennsylvania

http://www.weyerbacher.com/

Name/Style:

Imperial Pumpkin Ale/Pumpkin Ale

ABV(alcohol by volume):

8%

 I talked about "Big Beers" a little yesterday and how some breweries, like Avery Brewing Company, focus on making them more than others. Weyerbacher is most definitely one of these breweries. The vast majority of their beers are over 8% abv. In fact less than 1/3 of the beers they currently make are under 8% abv. These guys like their beers big and they show it. As far as Pumpkin Ale goes this is about as big as they get. Only a handful have 8% abv. or higher. Weyerbacher really is setting the bar with this one. 

Pours a rich orange/amber. It looks like there may be some sediment floating around, but mainly crystal clear. An oatmeal tinged head about 3/4 of an inch in height is quite creamy. Settles to a lace that doesn't even cover the whole top of the beer, though. Thickens towards the edge of the goblet.

Wow! What a bouquet! It smells of pumpkin pie even from several feet away. The scent does diffuse considerably as the head breaks down. Much more subtle, but with all the usual suspects showing up for the party. Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger. Also carries a biscuit or pie crust quality.

Now, this being an Imperial version of the Pumpkin Ale it brings a big malt character to the table. Not dark and bitter, but slightly sweet and richer than the traditional. A touch of rye is present as the flavor shifts towards the spices. Cinnamon and nutmeg with a touch of alcohol and pumpkin. Weyerbacher does use real pumpkin in the process of brewing, choosing to opt of the "Pumpkin Flavoring". A very nice bready/biscuity aftertaste mingles with the spices and a touch of alcohol. 

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Musical Pairings:

Artist:

Harvestman

Album: 
Lashing The Rye

Steve Von Till of Neurosis plays haunting experimental folk incorporating elements of ambient and drone on this, his first album under the name Harvestman.

Artist:
Steven Von Till
Album:
If I Should Fall To The Field


Steven Von Till's second solo album. Released in 2002.