Pumpkin Beer Tast Test 2012: Cream of the crop

M and I do not consider ourselves beer connoisseurs by any stretch of the imagination, though some may say we could be categorized as beer snobs. We challenged ourselves to hunt down and try as many pumpkin beers as we could this fall. We've rated every beer we've tried (according to this guide on ratebeer.com) and we are presenting this guide for you.

Please keep in mind that this is in no way comprehensive, and your tastes may vary from ours. Even if we rate a certain brewer's pumpkin beer poorly, that doesn't mean that you will dislike it also.  By all means, we encourage you to try any and all of these and let us know what you think!

#5: Longtrail Pumpkin Ale

Appearance: Nice color, orange-amber autumn sunset color. Head dissipates quickly, little lacing.

M's appearance rating: 4/5  |  Crystal's appearance rating: 4/5

Aroma: Festive smelling, pumpkin pie filling, nutmeg, cinnamon, pumpkin. Great aroma.

M's aroma rating: 7/10  |  Crystal's aroma rating: 7/10

Palate: Light carbonation that dissipates quickly.

M's palate rating: 3/5  |  Crystal's palate rating: 3/5 

Flavor: M thinks it could use more sweet notes, finishes spicy and slightly bitter. Crystal thinks the spices are prominent but not overpowering, well balanced.

M's flavor rating: 6/10  |  Crystal's flavor rating: 7/10

M's overall rating:  20/30 B  |  Crystal's overall rating: 21/30 B

#4: Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Ale

Appearance: Nice color, orange-amber. Little lacing.

M's appearance rating: 4/5  |  Crystal's appearance rating: 4/5

Aroma: Cinnamon and nutmeg.

M's aroma rating: 8/10  |  Crystal's aroma rating: 9/10

Palate: Smooth, not too bubbly, silky and light bodied, could be heavier.

M's palate rating: 3/5  |  Crystal's palate rating: 3/5 

Flavor: M thinks there is an immediate spice on the tongue, the beer is very light almost watery, finishes nice. Good effort for such a big company, surprisingly tasty for a beer brewed by Coors. Crystal thinks the spices come out nicely and aren't over powering, nicely balanced.

M's flavor rating: 6/10  |  Crystal's flavor rating: 9/10

M's overall rating:  20/30 B  |  Crystal's overall rating: 25/30 A

#3: Ithaca Country Pumpkin Ale

Appearance: Orange-amber color. Head dissipates quickly, little lacing.

M's appearance rating: 4/5  |  Crystal's appearance rating: 4/5

Aroma: Minimal cinnamon, subtle fresh pumpkin smell.

M's aroma rating: 7/10  |  Crystal's aroma rating: 8/10

Palate: Full bodied with just enough fizz and texture, smooth.

M's palate rating: 4/5  |  Crystal's palate rating: 3/5 

Flavor: M thinks it is well balanced, tastes like the season. Could easily drink a few of these in a row because of the more subtle flavors. Crystal thinks it's light on spice and has a nice pumpkin flavor that isn't overpowering or sour. Could drink a few in a row without getting sick of them.

M's flavor rating: 8/10  |  Crystal's flavor rating: 7/10

M's overall rating:  23/30 A-  |  Crystal's overall rating: 22/30 B+

#2: Longtrail Imperial Pumpkin

Appearance: Deep orange-amber color, thick head.

M's appearance rating: 4/5  |  Crystal's appearance rating: 4/5

Aroma: Nice blend of pumpkin and spice. Cinnamon, hint of clove, sweet smelling.

M's aroma rating: 7/10  |  Crystal's aroma rating: 9/10

Palate: Light bodied, smooth, minimal carbonation on the sip. Silky smooth.

M's palate rating: 4/5  |  Crystal's palate rating: 4/5 

Flavor: M thinks there isn't a lot of pumpkin flavor. It's sweet and spicy and rich with a tart bitter finish that is mild and dissipates quickly. Crystal thinks it has a nice mix of spice and pumpkin - present but not overpowering.

M's flavor rating: 8/10  |  Crystal's flavor rating: 8/10

M's overall rating:  23/30 A-  |  Crystal's overall rating: 25/30 A

#1: Dogfish Head Punkin Ale

Appearance: Nice color, clear orange-amber. Nice head and lacing. M wishes it was a little darker and heavier.

M's appearance rating: 4/5  |  Crystal's appearance rating: 5/5

Aroma: Nutmeg and Cinnamon.

M's aroma rating: 9/10  |  Crystal's aroma rating: 10/10

Palate: Smooth, very lightly carbonated.

M's palate rating: 5/5  |  Crystal's palate rating: 4/5 

Flavor: M thinks it starts sweet with cinnamon/nutmeg comes into pumpkin, leaving a sweet aftertaste in your mouth.  Crystal thinks it has the perfect balance of spices, sweetness, and pumpkin without the bitter/sour aftertaste that many pumpkin beers tend to have.

M's flavor rating: 10/10  |  Crystal's flavor rating: 10/10

M's overall rating:  28/30 A+  |  Crystal's overall rating: 29/30 A+


There you have it! Our ratings for this season's crop of pumpkin beers. If you missed the lower rated beers, you can catch up here:

Getting Better

A slight improvement

Bottom of the barrel


What's YOUR favorite pumpkin beer this season? Do you get one in your area that we couldn't get? Let us know!