Elysian Brewing Company Punkuccino
What the brewers say
“Punkuccino packs a short shot of Stumptown coffee toddy in your pint with just a shake of cinnamon and nutmeg.”
What our panel thought
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.”
