Long Trail Brewery

 So one sunday we kind of drove 3 hours to get a beer. We were greeted by this dude when we finally made it to the Long Trail Brewery in Vermont.

 There was this cool map by the bar where visitors are asked to stick a pin in the town they are from. Unfortunately, there were already so many pins in Upstate NY that there was no room for us to add a new one!

 M had their Imperial Pumpkin on tap, which made it to our top 5 pumpkin beers of 2012. I was a bit pumpkined out, so I tried their Good Night Irene Brown Ale. Good Night Irene Ale was brewed to benefit the victims of hurricane Irene in Vermont. Over a year later, the devastation was still apparent n the area surrounding the Long Trail brewery, so I was happy to buy a pint and help contribute to the cause.

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!

Pumpkin Beer Taste Test 2012: Getting better...

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!

Samuel Adams Fat Jack and Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin Ale

Samuel Adams Fat Jack

Appearance: Nice color, deep, porter-like. Full foamy head.

M's appearance rating: 4/5  |  Crystal's appearance rating: 2/5

Aroma: Sour aroma.

M's aroma rating: 6/10  |  Crystal's aroma rating: 0/10

Palate: Very smooth but fizzy on finish.

M's palate rating: 2/5  |  Crystal's palate rating: 4/5 

Flavor: M thinks it's sour like a Belgian style beer. Crystal thinks there is no pumpkin or spice flavors but has a distinct molasses flavor.

M's flavor rating: 6/10  |  Crystal's flavor rating: 2/10

M's overall rating:  18/30 C  |  Crystal's overall rating: 8/30 F

* * * * *

Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin Ale

Appearance: Caramel color, little to no lacing or head, looks like iced tea.
M's appearance rating: 3/5  |  Crystal's appearance rating: 3/5

Aroma: Crystal thinks it smells spicy, but sweet clove powers through the other scents. M says it smells 'quite nice' like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.
M's aroma rating: 6/10  |  Crystal's aroma rating: 5/10

Palate: Smooth, little fizz on the tongue.
M's palate rating: 2/5  |  Crystal's palate rating: 3/5

Flavor: Crystal thinks it tastes more like a sweet pastry than a beer, like sweet potato pie and has a dry finish. M thinks the clove hits heavy on the first sip and overpowers all other flavors, almost makes you thirsty. If you like cloves, this is for you.
M's flavor rating: 5/10  |  Crystal's flavor rating: 5/10

M's overall rating:  16/30 C-  |  Crystal's overall rating: 16/30 C-

Wolaver's Pumpkin Ale and Hoppin' Frog Double Pumpkin Ale

Wolaver's Pumpkin Ale

Appearance: Hazy, like cider, not much head or lacing.
M's appearance rating: 4/5  |  Crystal's appearance rating: 4/5

Aroma: Crystal think it smells like pumpkin with no spice. M thinks it smells like pumpkin and cinnamon, 'smells like the inside of a carved pumpkin.'
M's aroma rating: 7/10  |  Crystal's aroma rating: 4/10

Palate: Light bodied and bubbly.
M's palate rating: 3/5  |  Crystal's palate rating: 2/5 

Flavor: M thinks it's for fans of pumpkin more than spice. Crystal thinks it's bitter at first with a pumpkin finish, kind of bland.
M's flavor rating: 7/10  |  Crystal's flavor rating: 4/10

M's overall rating:  21/30 B  |  Crystal's overall rating: 14/30 D-

* * * * *

Hoppin' Frog Double Pumpkin Ale

Appearance: Decent, foamy head on pour that dissipates, light orange/amber color.
M's appearance rating: 3/5  |  Crystal's appearance rating: 3/5

Aroma: Crystal thinks it smells nice, spicy pumpkin and cinnamon aroma. M says it smells like cinnamon and clove.
M's aroma rating: 8/10  |  Crystal's aroma rating: 8/10

Palate: Smooth and silky, little fizz on the tongue.
M's palate rating: 4/5  |  Crystal's palate rating: 4/5

Flavor: Crystal thinks it tastes initially well balanced, but the aftertaste is overpoweringly spicy. M thinks it's 'a punch in the face of spices and finishes on clove.' It can be disgusting or delightful depending on your preference.
M's flavor rating: 5/10  |  Crystal's flavor rating: 3/10

M's overall rating:  20/30 B  |  Crystal's overall rating: 18/30 C

Harpoon Pumpkin UFO and Southern Tier Pumking

Harpoon Pumpkin UFO

Appearance: Light orange/amber color, head dissipates completely, no lacing.
M's appearance rating: 2/5  |  Crystal's appearance rating: 3/5

Aroma: Crystal think it smells like sweet pumpkin and cinnamon. M left his 'aroma' comments blank on this one.
M's aroma rating: 6/10  |  Crystal's aroma rating: 8/10

Palate: Fizzy, but easy to drink.
M's palate rating: 3/5  |  Crystal's palate rating: 3/5 

Flavor: M thinks it's spicy pumpkiny, smooth and sweet. 'Drinkable, tastes like pumpkin - like it should.' Crystal thinks it's light pumpkin and spice, nicely balanced.
M's flavor rating: 7/10  |  Crystal's flavor rating: 7/10

M's overall rating:  18/30 C  |  Crystal's overall rating: 21/30 B

* * * * *

Southern Tier Pumking

Appearance: Very light orange amber, head on pour that dissipates, little to no lacing.
M's appearance rating: 2/5  |  Crystal's appearance rating: 3/5

Aroma: Crystal thinks it smells balanced between pumpkin and spice, but something is slightly off. M left the aroma comments blank on this one too.
M's aroma rating: 7/10  |  Crystal's aroma rating: 7/10

Palate: Slight fizz on the tongue.
M's palate rating: 3/5  |  Crystal's palate rating: 4/5

Flavor: Crystal thinks it VERY sweet, but well balanced between pumpkin and spice. M thinks it embodies everything that is 'candy' about halloween, like a pumpkin pie but with a sour finish.
M's flavor rating: 7/10  |  Crystal's flavor rating: 6/10

M's overall rating:  19/30 B-  |  Crystal's overall rating: 20/30 B


Come back tomorrow to see our top five!
Check out the others:
Bottom of the barrel
A slight improvement

Pumpkin Beer Taste Test 2012: A slight improvement

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!

Southampton Pumpkin Ale and Blue Point Pumpkin Ale

Southampton Pumpkin Ale

Appearance: Absolutely no head, looks like cider.
M's appearance rating: 3/5  |  Crystal's appearance rating: 3/5

Aroma: M thinks it smells like pumpkin pie or sweet potatoes with marshmallow. Crystal thinks it smells strange - sweet potato-ish and cinnamon.
M's aroma rating: 6/10  |  Crystal's aroma rating: 2/10

Palate: Light and bubbly, bubbles go to the roof of your mouth.
M's palate rating: 2/5  |  Crystal's palate rating: 2/5 

Flavor: Sour, flavorless, bitter, watery.
M's flavor rating: 2/10  |  Crystal's flavor rating: 0/10

M's overall rating:  13/30 F  |  Crystal's overall rating: 7/30 F

* * * * *

Bluepoint Pumpkin Ale

Appearance: Decent head, amber color.
M's appearance rating: 3/5  |  Crystal's appearance rating: 3/5

Aroma: Crystal thinks it smells like sour pumpkin. M says it smells 'like halloween' in the bottle, almost no smell in the glass.
M's aroma rating: 4/10  |  Crystal's aroma rating: 0/10

Palate: Carbonated, rises to the roof of your mouth.
M's palate rating: 3/5  |  Crystal's palate rating: 3/5

Flavor: Crystal thinks it tastes like pumpkin with a slight spice. M thinks it tastes 'like a wet dog smells, nastilicious.' But notes that he really likes their Hoptical Illusion IPA.
M's flavor rating: 3/10  |  Crystal's flavor rating: 6/10

M's overall rating:  13/30 F  |  Crystal's overall rating: 12/30 F

Elysian The Great Pumpkin Imperial Pumpkin Ale and Saranac Pumpkin Ale

Elysian The Great Pumpkin 
Imperial Pumpkin Ale

Appearance: Golden caramel color, lacing and head are nice.
M's appearance rating: 3/5  |  Crystal's appearance rating: 4/5

Aroma: M thinks it smells fruity, like oranges, sugar and spice. Crystal thinks it smells fruity, not spicy.
M's aroma rating: 5/10  |  Crystal's aroma rating: 5/10

Palate: Smooth, medium body, light carbonation.
M's palate rating: 4/5  |  Crystal's palate rating: 3/5 

Flavor: M thinks it tastes sweet/sour to clove, immediate sour and chemical taste. Crystal thinks it tastes well balanced with pumpkin and spice, but has a very sour finish.
M's flavor rating: 2/10  |  Crystal's flavor rating: 5/10

M's overall rating:  14/30 F  |  Crystal's overall rating: 17/30 C

* * * * *

Saranac Pumpkin Ale

Appearance: Head dissipates to soapy water, no lacing, medium caramel color.
M's appearance rating: 3/5  |  Crystal's appearance rating: 4/5

Aroma: Crystal thinks it smells like sour pumpkin with a slight hint of cinnamon. M says there is no smell in the glass, could be more aromatic.
M's aroma rating: 3/10  |  Crystal's aroma rating: 2/10

Palate: Carbonated on the tongue, fizzy.
M's palate rating: 2/5  |  Crystal's palate rating: 3/5

Flavor: Crystal thinks the pumpkin flavor overpowers the spice, with a slight cinnamon aftertaste. M thinks it tastes crisp, like lager with hints of pumpkin.
M's flavor rating: 6/10  |  Crystal's flavor rating: 7/10

M's overall rating:  15/30 D  |  Crystal's overall rating: 16/30 D

Post Road Pumpkin Ale and Shipyard Smashed Pumpkin

Post Road Pumpkin Ale

Appearance: Big head on pour, light orange / amber color.

M's appearance rating: 2/5  |  Crystal's appearance rating: 3/5

Aroma: M thinks it smells tasty, with a hint of clove, spice, and pumpkin. Crystal thinks it smells well balanced with pumpkin and spice.

M's aroma rating: 5/10  |  Crystal's aroma rating: 7/10

Palate: Over carbonated.

M's palate rating: 1/5  |  Crystal's palate rating: 3/5 

Flavor: M thinks it has no flavor and has a bitter aftertaste. Crystal thinks it has more pumpkin than spice, nice flavor, but could use a little more spice.

M's flavor rating: 5/10  |  Crystal's flavor rating: 6/10

M's overall rating:  13/30 F  |  Crystal's overall rating: 19/30 C+

* * * * *

Shipyard Smashed Pumpkin

Appearance: Hazy caramel color, head dissipates quickly, little to no lacing slides right down glass.
M's appearance rating: 3/5  |  Crystal's appearance rating: 5/5

Aroma: Crystal thinks it smells like sour pumpkin, cinnamon and nutmeg. M says it smells sweet of pumpkin and cinnamon, smells like the season.
M's aroma rating: 7/10  |  Crystal's aroma rating: 5/10

Palate: Slightly carbonated, kind of rough.
M's palate rating: 2/5  |  Crystal's palate rating: 3/5

Flavor: Crystal thinks it tastes kind of sour. M thinks it tastes very strongly of nutmeg and is sweet, with a bitter/sour finish that is kind of dry like sake.
M's flavor rating: 5/10  |  Crystal's flavor rating: 4/10

M's overall rating:  17/30 D  |  Crystal's overall rating: 17/30 D


* * * * *

We're getting closer to the good stuff! Keep checking back this week for more!

Pumpkin Beer Taste Test 2012: The bottom of the barrel

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!

We're going to present our ratings to you from "worst" to best. Let's get started!

Our bottom two: Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale and Shock Top Pumpkin Wheat.

Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale

Appearance: Large, foamy head on pour, slight lacing, very light orange, hazy, not very appealing.
M's appearance rating: 2/5  |  Crystal's appearance rating: 2/5

Aroma: Opened in the glass can't smell anything, aroma barely there.
M's aroma rating: 1/10  |  Crystal's aroma rating: 0/10

Palate: Watery, very carbonated, foamy.
M's palate rating: 2/5  |  Crystal's palate rating: 1/5 

Flavor: Watery, sour, bitter, no spice, metallic aftertaste.
M's flavor rating: 1/10  |  Crystal's flavor rating: 1/10

M's overall rating:  6/30 F  |  Crystal's overall rating: 4/30 F

* * * * *

Shocktop Pumpkin Wheat

Appearance: No head on pour, no lacing, orangey-amber color.
M's appearance rating: 2/5  |  Crystal's appearance rating: 2/5

Aroma: Crystal thinks it smells cinnamon-y sweet, but faint. M says it smells bad, almost smells like apple cider.
M's aroma rating: 1/10  |  Crystal's aroma rating: 2/10

Palate: Lightly carbonated.
M's palate rating: 1/5  |  Crystal's palate rating: 3/5

Flavor: Crystal thinks it tastes orangey with a slight pumpkin taste. M thinks it tastes like dishwater and apple skin.
M's flavor rating: 1/10  |  Crystal's flavor rating: 0/10

M's overall rating:  5/30 F  |  Crystal's overall rating: 7/30 F

Lakefront Pumpkin Lager Beer and Shipyard Pumpkinhead.

Lakefront Pumpkin Lager Beer

Appearance: Head dissipates to soapy water look. Very light orange amber color.
M's appearance rating: 2/5  |  Crystal's appearance rating: 3/5

Aroma: M thinks in the glass the aroma is very faint. Crystal thinks there is a very faint pumpkin aroma.
M's aroma rating: 1/10  |  Crystal's aroma rating: 0/10

Palate: Light up front, very carbonated.
M's palate rating: 2/5  |  Crystal's palate rating: 3/5

Flavor: Pumpkin, slightly sour, dry finish but likable.
M's flavor rating: 1/10  |  Crystal's flavor rating: 2/10

M's overall rating:  6/30 F  |  Crystal's overall rating: 8/30 F

* * * * *

Shipyard Pumpkinhead

Appearance: Head dissipates quickly, no lacing. Light amber color, not appealing.
M's appearance rating: 2/5  |  Crystal's appearance rating: 2/5

Aroma: Crystal thinks it smells pumpkin-y with no spice. M thinks there is a hint of spice but it has a more soapy smell
M's aroma rating: 2/10  |  Crystal's aroma rating: 0/10

Palate: Lightly carbonated.
M's palate rating: 2/5  |  Crystal's palate rating: 2/5

Flavor: Crystal thinks it tastes watery, no spice, slight pumpkin, barely any flavor. M thinks it tastes very watery, no flavor, tastes like soapy water.
M's flavor rating: 3/10  |  Crystal's flavor rating: 2/10

M's overall rating:  9/30 F  |  Crystal's overall rating: 6/30 F

Shipyard Pumpkinhead was easily our favorite pumpkin beer two years ago. 

We can't tell if our taste has changed, or if they changed their recipe for the worst, 

but it now resides in our bottom 5.

Elysian Night Owl Pumpkin Ale and Samuel Adams Harvest Pumpkin Ale.

Elysian Night Owl Pumpkin Ale

Appearance: Decent head, dissipates quickly, orange amber color.
M's appearance rating: 3/5  |  Crystal's appearance rating: 4/5

Aroma: M thinks it smells like spicy pumpkin and 'something funny,' sweet spicy pumpkin pie. Crystal thinks it smells sour, 'like dirty socks.'
M's aroma rating: 3/10  |  Crystal's aroma rating: 0/10

Palate: Thin and watery, lighty carbonated.
M's palate rating: 1/5  |  Crystal's palate rating: 3/5 

Flavor: M thinks it tastes like soapy water. Crystal thinks it has a savory flavor, almost like rosemary.
M's flavor rating: 2/10  |  Crystal's flavor rating: 0/10

M's overall rating:  9/30 F  |  Crystal's overall rating: 7/30 F

* * * * *

Samuel Adams Harvest Pumpkin Ale

Appearance: Looks awesome: thick head on pour, dark mahogany color, no lacing.
M's appearance rating: 5/5  |  Crystal's appearance rating: 4/5

Aroma: Crystal thinks it has no aroma, when you take a deep whiff it has a chemical smell. M thinks it smells like chemicals, not spicy or pumpkiny.
M's aroma rating: 2/10  |  Crystal's aroma rating: 0/10

Palate: Smooth, lightly carbonated.
M's palate rating: 4/5  |  Crystal's palate rating: 3/5

Flavor: Crystal thinks it tastes like it smells - flavorless with a strange chemical taste. M thinks it tastes like a burnt marshmallow with a bitter finish.
M's flavor rating: 2/10  |  Crystal's flavor rating: 0/10

M's overall rating:  13/30 F  |  Crystal's overall rating: 7/30 F

* * * * *

There you have our bottom six. Check back this week as we make our way up to the cream of the crop!