Elysian Brewing Punkuccino

“Aroma of sweet, caramelized sugars and vanilla with a touch of spice—like a spiced rum. Tasting, complex profile of bread crust, raisins, pumpkin, white pepper, vanilla. Finishes fairly dry and boozy. Not sweet.”

“Solid malt aroma—light toast, pie crust, biscuit. Hint of caramel, apricot, honey. Light floral hops. Dried apricot and caramel are followed by a rich toast and biscuit flavor. Apricot and golden-currant notes follow. Hop flavor is lightly floral and herbal. Medium and smooth bittering balances the malt nicely.”

**Aroma:** “Espresso coffee aroma with some cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg notes. As it warms, ginger and some subtle caramel malt sweetness comes through.” **Flavor:** “Very nice espresso coffee up front blended with brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg supported by nice toffee and caramel malt sweetness and some baked pumpkin notes. Reminds me of Lebkuchen (German ginger cookies) and molasses. Good balance of pie spice—finish is a bit sweet but coffee serves to balance, with both coffee and sweetness lingering.” **Overall:** “One of the most unique and complex pumpkin beers I’ve had, without being cloying. Coffee adds a sharp note and serves to balance sweetness of the pumpkin, and caramel malt and cinnamon tie it all together. If you like Starbucks pumpkin-spice latte, seek out this beer. They take a big chance with the style and succeed.”