Shipyard Smashed Pumpkin

This 9.0% ABV ale with natural flavors is from the Shipyard Brewing Company of Portland, Maine. It is part of their Pugsley's Signature Series. According to the bottle it uses Pale Ale, Wheat, and Light Munich malts, along with Willamette and Hallertau hops. The bottle also points out that pumpkin has natural tannins. I had not heard that before. Tannins are a natural plant preservative that provides a bitter, astringent flavor in drinks such as beer and wine. Interesting note, the bottle suggests adding this to their Blue Fin stout for a winter warmer.

The beer pours a glowing orange and copper in color. There is an inch of thick, foamy, off-white head. The aroma is of spices, predominantly nutmeg, with some pumpkin, over a malty ale base. There is a sweet potato note to the maltiness and a creamy element, even in the aroma. The taste is rich and dessert-like without being overly sweet. There is nutmeg and pumpkin, reminiscent of pumpkin pie or bars. There is a slight warming sensation from the alcohol, but it blends nicely into the spice and pumpkin. There is a light, tingly carbonation. It is exceedingly dry and somewhat bitter on the finish. This is a very good pumpkin beer (but I don't know that any compare to Southern Tier Pumking).