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Pumpkin Beer Review #4: Abomination Brewing's Forbidden Pumpkin

Ladies and gents, it's that time again - another pumpkin beer adventure awaits! Today, we're diving headfirst into the mysterious realm of "Forbidden Pumpkin" by Abomination Brewing, an Imperial Milkshake Style IPA (yes, you heard that right!). Hold onto your taste buds; this one's going to be a wild ride! 🎃🍺

Let's kick things off with the can itself—it's a sight to behold! Picture a mischievous trick-or-treater clutching a pumpkin head, while some eerily disembodied green arms give a nod to the beloved Frankenstein. Spooky and fun, all in one!

Now, let's talk about that tantalizing crack of the can. What's in the air? Well, it's a hoppy symphony, folks! This IPA is unabashedly hop-forward on the nose. As you pour it into your glass, you're met with a pale yellow elixir, crowned with a frothy head that only a (milkshake) mother could adore.

And now, the taste—brace yourselves! It's a captivating blend of milk sugar-infused milkshake and the boldness of an IPA, sprinkled with a dash of vanilla sweetness and a hint of tantalizing spices. Pumpkin? Not so much, my friends. But this IPA embraces its sweet, thick persona, with the can proudly proclaiming a concoction of pumpkin, spices, vanilla, and milk sugar. Alas, the pumpkin takes a back seat, but the spices and vanilla dance an intriguing duet on your palate.

As for the grand finale—the finish and aftertaste—it's a hoppy extravaganza! And now, the moment of judgment. I'm bestowing upon this brew a solid 3 stars out of 5. Why, you ask? Because it's darn good for a milkshake IPA, no doubt about it! But when it comes to claiming the title of a bona fide pumpkin beer, it falls just a tad short. Nevertheless, here's to sipping on the forbidden elixir and embracing the pumpkin spirit, in its own unique way! 🍂👻🍻

Pumpkin Beer Review #3: Great Divide - Pumpkin Ale

Get ready for a taste adventure with Great Divide, hailing from the heart of Denver, Colorado, presenting their aptly named "Pumpkin Ale." But before we dive into the flavor, let's talk about that can—oh, it's a beauty! Picture the headless horseman, gripping his fiery pumpkin noggin aloft while galloping on his dark steed beneath a mesmerizing mountain backdrop kissed by a glorious sunset sky.

Now, when you pop that can, don't expect a grand aromatic overture. Instead, it's a sly, almost mischievous whisper of pumpkin that greets your nose. No bold spices, no overwhelming vanilla—just a subtle, tantalizing "hint" of pumpkin in the air. But wait until you pour it into a glass; that's where the magic unfolds. Behold a dark, enchanting ale with a frothy crown that's both medium-sized and healthy.

The taste is a pumpkin-driven spectacle, with whispers of coriander and allspice adding intrigue. These spices, while present, graciously yield the stage to the star of the show—the pumpkin, which bursts onto your palate in true cinematic fashion.

Now, let's talk texture. It's a velvety smooth operator, nearly creamy, and it glides down your throat with the grace of a seasoned performer. Delicious? Absolutely! But does it claim the coveted title of my all-time favorite? Well, not quite. I'd award this brew a solid 4 stars out of 5. It's a pumpkin party in a glass that's definitely worth a try! 🎃🍺

Pumpkin Beer Review# 2: Shipyard's Smashed Pumpkin

Shipyard's pumpkin ale, boasting "natural flavors," beckoned to me, so I thought, "Why not give it a whirl?" The can, in all its simplicity, wears an orange coat with a black logo on the front, featuring a cheerful pumpkin silhouette in matching orange.

Now, the moment of truth! Crack it open, and you're greeted with a subtle pumpkin aroma, just enough to pique your curiosity. But here's where things take a quirky twist!

Pour it out, and you'll notice it's a charming medium-light shade of brown, with a modest head of froth—unless, of course, you decide to get a little adventurous with your pour! Ha!

And now, the grand reveal—taste time! Brace yourself; it's no shocker, but... it tastes like pure pumpkin. Remember when I said it got peculiar? Well, brace your taste buds for an all-encompassing pumpkin experience. No spices, no vanilla, no clove, no cinnamon... just pumpkin galore! It's as if they liquefied a real pumpkin and bottled it.

As for the texture, it's your regular, dependable medium-bodied ale—neither more nor less.

Now, here's the kicker: it's not necessarily a bad thing, but in this day and age, with the pumpkin ale universe brimming with unique varieties and brands, you'd think they'd aim to carve out their own niche in the flavor market. Well, they seem to have missed the memo on that one.

I'd award this ale a solid 3 out of 5 stars for its lack of originality. It's good, mind you, but it lacks that extra "pop" or "wow" factor. Cheers to pumpkin season, nevertheless! 🎃🍻

Pumpkin Beer Review #1: Bluewood Brewing - Dancing With The Pumpkin King

Well, well, well, folks! It's been a whole seven days into October, and I've committed the ultimate pumpkin beer enthusiast sin - no pumpkin beer review! But fear not, for today we embark on a pumpkin-infused journey with Bluewood Brewing's "Dancing With The Pumpkin King." This malty marvel boasts the harmonious union of pumpkin, spice, graham cracker, and vanilla, promising a tantalizing taste adventure!

First up, let's talk about that can. Picture this: a pumpkin-headed figure beneath a mysterious Pumpkin moon, engaged in a whimsical dance with what can only be described as a stitched doll. It's delightfully eerie and fun! Now, crack open that can, and in the initial whiff, you might not catch much. But give it a second go, and behold—a gentle caress of pumpkin spice in the air.

As you pour it into your glass, you'll encounter a medium brown elixir with just a hint of frothy head, as if teasing you with its mysteries.

Now, the main event—the taste! It's a delightful concoction of vanilla and pumpkin spice taking center stage, with pumpkin playing a more reserved role. It's there, no doubt, but it graciously shares the spotlight. Notes of malt add depth, and there's a creamy texture that'll leave you grinning from ear to ear. Hints of clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice join the party, and there's even a whisper of graham cracker, though you might suspect it's in cahoots with the vanilla.

Ah, the finish—a grand finale! It bids adieu with a fond lingering of pumpkin goodness, a sweet memory on your taste buds that lingers just long enough.

So, what's the verdict, you ask? I bestow upon this brew a stellar 4.5 stars out of 5. It's a splendid sip, but oh, how I wish for a bit more "pumpkin-y" pizzazz to take center stage alongside the vanilla. Here's to dancing with the Pumpkin King! 🎃🕺🍻