pumking - Southern Tier Brewing Co - 2011

So, if you've been reading this blog for a while (like, a year, at least), you will know I actually reviewed this beer last year.  I don't expect that they have changed the recipe or anything, but it's a good idea to re-review beers from time to time, and as well, I really like this one, so I needed an excuse to buy it.  Southern Tier is a renowned brewer in Lakewood, New York, known for making some pretty big hoppy brews.  pumking is also considered by many to be the best pumpkin ale in the USA.  This is quite a pedigree, so let's see how it translates in the glass!

[caption id="attachment_1739" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="pumking - Southern Tier Brewing Co."][/caption]

From a classic 650ml bomber with no freshness date I could find, pumking pours a honey gold, hinting at orange in the centre.  Slightly hazy, with a small frothy head that left just a bit of lace on the glass.  The aroma is still amazing, sweet biscuity malts that literally smell like pie crust.  There is some pumpkin as well, though it's less prevalent than other pumpkin beers.  I detect some pie spices, though the label doesn't list them in the ingredients, so I'm not sure if they're there and not listed, or if it's a combination of spicy hops and the psychological connection of pumpkin and spices.  Either way, it's so enticing and like no other pumpkin beer.  There are also hints of banana bread and vanilla.  Taste is more of the same, sweet, biscuity and malty and tastes exactly like a pie crust.  On the palate, there is a bit more pumpkin, and still hints of pie spices that may or may not be all in my head (as opposed to on my tongue).  There is also a warmth from it's high alcohol (8.6% abv), which gives it a lovely heart-warming fall feeling.  It would go great after a walk on a cold damp day to see the  fall colours.  As the beer warms more pumpkin comes out in the taste and aroma, and, strangely, so does a slightly candied orange peel like citrusy note.  It's just lovely, and a beer I wish I could buy cases of to drink and drink and drink all fall.  Beware though, with the big bottle, and the high alcohol, this is one to sit back with and sip.  Grab a warm blanket, a soft chesterfield and a warm body to share it all with and spend the night in.

Cheers, Southern Tier!

About the Brewery

In operation since late 2002, Southern Tier Brewing Company of Lakewood, New York, has grown to produce over 30,000 barrels of beer annually. The hand crafted ales are now available in more than half of the United States, as well as parts of Australia, Denmark, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, Ontario, British Columbia, and the United Kingdom.

Founders Phineas DeMink and Allen "Skip" Yahn started the brewery with the vision of reviving the practice of small batch brewing to a region rich in brewing tradition. In 2002, with equipment gained from the purchase of the Old Saddleback Brewing Co. in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, the Southern Tier Brewing Company began production in the Stoneman Business Park just outside of Lakewood, New York. By 2003, select varieties of small batch ales were locally distributed, and by 2005, sales covered the majority of New York State and Pennsylvania. Before launching a successful roster of seasonal beers, the brewery produced Pilsner, Mild Ale, and an India Pale Ale.

Tagged: Ale, New York, Pumpkin, Southern Tier, Top-Pick, Usa