New Belgium Brewing Pumpkick
What the brewers say
“Cranberry juice brightens this traditionally spiced seasonal ale. Brewed with plenty of pumpkin juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, but it’s the cranberries and touch of lemongrass that send your taste buds sailing.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Very light cinnamon, clove, and ginger spice up front with some supportive caramel malt and even pilsner malt sweetness, with notes of toffee, biscuit, and white bread. Faint esters create a sense of pumpkin itself.”
Flavor: “Pumpkin-pie flavors abound, with notes of baked, caramelized pumpkin, brown sugar, and caramel malts all supported by cinnamon, nutmeg, and other pumpkin-pie spices. No hops or esters. Finish is slightly sweet then dries and lingers with a very light bitterness creating a nice balance.”
Overall: “A great example of a pumpkin-pie beer that blends pumpkin, brown sugar, and spices to create a tasty fall beer. Not over the top with spices, but everything works well together. Great body and sweetness and excellent base beer with caramel malt notes to let the pumpkin-pie flavors stand out.”
