I let the weekend get away from me. I say weekend because I lucked out with having Monday off from work and spent the afternoon gallivanting through Charlottesville with old friends. I’m over the empty usage of ‘blessed’ and ‘thankful…’ So I won’t try to throw buzzwords around to try to explain how elated I was to have a taste of home yesterday. Forgive me for drinking a beer yesterday and passing out on the sofa. (Why is adulthood so hard sometimes?…)
I saved the five beers I’m most excited to try for the week of Halloween. They’ve been staring at me from inside of the fridge, tempting me with their clever labels and hints of the pumpkin bounty awaiting… Let’s stop talking and start drinking.
Weyerbacher Brewing Company Imperial Pumpkin Ale
Produced in Easton, Pennsylvania. ABV: 8.0%. Described on the website as: “We set out to make a bold monument for The King of the Pumpkins! This 8.0% ABV pumpkin ale is the mother of all pumpkin ales. It is heartier, spicier and more “caramelly” and “pumpkiny” than its faint brethren! We have added lots of pumpkin along with cinnamon, nutmeg and a touch of cardamom and clove, giving this beer a spicy, full-bodied flavor. This truly is an Imperial Pumpkin Ale. Perfect finisher on a cool autumn night or match it up with a slice of pumpkin pie and fresh whipped cream.”
My opinion? I’ve had some bad luck earlier this month with other ‘Imperial Pumpkins…’ So when I took a whiff of my freshly poured beer, I feared that my inclination was coming true. But thankfully Weyerbacher followed through with all their promises. I could not imagine anything better than a forkful of pie in one hand and Weyerbacher in the other. This beer tastes like pumpkin pie in the glass. It’s not overwhelming and not even remotely bitter. Definitely worth the wait.
New Holland Brewing Company Ichabod Pumpkin Ale
Produced in Holland, Michigan. ABV: 5.2%. Described on the website as: “Ichabod combines malted barley and real pumpkin with cinnamon and nutmeg in a delicious and inviting brew. After dinner, try it with your favorite dessert.”
My opinion? You had me at Ichabod. There’s nothing that conjures up feelings of fall and spookiness quite like THE Headless Horseman. This beer is another straight forward pumpkin ale with just the right combination of pumpkin and spice. It did leave you with a slight bitter finish but still worth putting in my final week line-up.
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