Pumking

Not every beer wows me. Not every ten or even every twenty beers wow me.  This beer - Pumking - it wowed me.

This may be the best pumpkin/spiced beer I've ever had. And that's saying something! I don't necessarily like pumpkin beer.

I've had no fewer than six different pumpkin beers this season, so far. And many in previous years. I would go so far as to say this is the king of beers. The PUMking of beers!

Pumking (8.60% ABV) brewed by Southern Tier is an imperial pumpkin ale.

It pours a hazy golden copper with what appears to be a subdued inner glow. The head is thin and quickly dissipates into a wisp of tiny swirly bubbles.

The aroma is like fresh pumpkin pie. Just like that, the spices are warm and inviting.

The flavor is remarkable. The pumpkin is a solid foundation of this brew, of course. But the spices are uniquely distinct and stand apart so that you can taste many of them individually - cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, allspice. The vanilla and caramel really come forward and build on the already malty sweetness yet it is not a cloying beer. There is just enough bitterness from the hops to mellow out and balance the lush sugars. Don't be fooled, this is a strong ale and it is bold. The alcohol is well hidden, although there is a pleasant tingle left on the tongue. The spices linger in the finish.

The mouth feel is full and rich with just amount of carbonation to lighten it up.

Pumking is far better than I could ever have anticipated.  This brew is too smooth and too drinkable.  Dangerously good. One of the best pumpkin ales out there! Get some!

Overall: excellent