Alewerks Brewing Company Pumpkin Ale
What the brewers say
“This amber colored ale is loaded with pumpkin-pie aroma and flavor. It actually does taste like pumpkin pie!”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Pumpkin notes and a touch of caramel malt with some clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This smells like a pumpkin-beer pie: crust, spice, warm, and some malt to make you think beer.”
Flavor: “Where the nose was fairly mild, the flavor is much more interesting—a rich malt sweetness up front buffers the clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Notes of caramel and toffee with a bit of brown sugar, pumpkin, ginger, and vanilla. Hops bitterness balances nicely. More drinkable than one might expect—it’s not a big and heavy fall seasonal. Toasty crust lingers, reminds of pie. Finishes a bit sweet but nice for the style.”
Overall: “Well-crafted pumpkin beer with a nice malt base and a compelling blend of spices. The spicing is bold but balanced. The spices and malt complexity are a delight. Everything works together to make a classic pumpkin beer.”