Welcome to the first installment of BeerSounds Autumn Ears & Beers. In this segment we will cover some great seasonal brews and some great seasonal sounds.
Here in the Tampa Bay area we have been enjoying a first hint of cooler weather to come while much else of the country is well in the swing of Autumn. While the days are getting shorter and shorter and the nights getting colder and longer many turn their thoughts towards Thanksgiving and Halloween. The latter ushering in ghouls and goblins seeking candy at the front door and toilet paper flying through the trees. The former brings me memories of holiday get togethers with friends and family. Tables full of food and plates overflowing with the gargantuan portions they strain to contain. All the good stuff we shouldn't eat is stacked high. Cranberry jams, turkey drenched in brown gravy, three kinds of stuffing, home-made mashed potatoes whipped with cream not milk, pumpkin pie and if you look in the right places before you head to the party, pumpkin ale.
Here in the Tampa Bay area we have been enjoying a first hint of cooler weather to come while much else of the country is well in the swing of Autumn. While the days are getting shorter and shorter and the nights getting colder and longer many turn their thoughts towards Thanksgiving and Halloween. The latter ushering in ghouls and goblins seeking candy at the front door and toilet paper flying through the trees. The former brings me memories of holiday get togethers with friends and family. Tables full of food and plates overflowing with the gargantuan portions they strain to contain. All the good stuff we shouldn't eat is stacked high. Cranberry jams, turkey drenched in brown gravy, three kinds of stuffing, home-made mashed potatoes whipped with cream not milk, pumpkin pie and if you look in the right places before you head to the party, pumpkin ale.
Brewery:
Smuttynose Brewing Company
Brewery website: http://www.smuttynose.com/
Name/Stlye:
Pumkpin Ale/Pumpkin Ale
ABV(alcohol by volume):
6%

This is Smuttynose Brewing Company's seasonal Pumpkin Ale. Brewed in a style true to its colonial roots this pumpkin ale uses real pumpkin puree in the mash, instead of adding mystery "pumpkin flavor" that you will see on some other craft style ales, along with traditional spices. Those spices are what dominate the nose as the beer is poured into a my goblet. Nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger are right up front while the pumpkin, though it hides behind the spices, is present. A touch of malt is there, too. Very pleasant. Copper/Amber in the heart while turning to a more golden hue at the edge of the glass. Slight haze. All this capped by a creamy head made of tight white bubbles.