Shipyard Smashed Pumpkin (Pugsley’s Signature Series)

From Shipyard Brewing – Smashed Pumpkin is a big-bodied beer with a light coppery orange color and pleasing aroma of pumpkin and nutmeg. The OG and final Alc./Vol. provide the structure and body. Pale Ale, Wheat and Light Munich Malts combine with the natural tannin in pumpkin and the delicate spiciness of Willamette and Hallertau Hops to balance the sweetness of the fruit. To fully enjoy all the flavours, this ale is best drunk at 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Smashed Pumpkin pairs well with sharp cheeses, nuts, lamb, hearty stews and desserts like flan or pumpkin pie. Chefs find this an excellent beer to cook with in dishes such as braised short ribs. Try adding a little Shipyard Blue Fin Stout to Smashed Pumpkin as a fall warmer.

Shipyard Brewing – Smashed Pumpkin – 22 oz. bottle poured into a pint glass. 9.0% abv. Purchased at Beverages and More Pasadena, CA

Appearance: Pours a clear amber gold with a 1/16 inch of white head. Modest amounts of visible rising carbonation in the body.

Aroma: A slice of pumpkin pie, with not too much cinnamon or nutmeg, but rather a nice finished product you would put whip cream on.

Taste: While the aroma led me to believe this would be like a mellow slice of pie, I get a big mouthfeel of cinnamon and nutmeg, followed by a mellow fruity mouthful of pumpkin pie filling. Finishes with a very slight hop spice.

Mouthfeel: Thin bodied, juicy and fizzy.

Overall: A unique, flavorful pumpkin ale.  I could drink a few glasses of these, as it’s not too thick.