In review #1: Southern Tier Pumking Ale
In an effort to have content more often and to keep a more detailed log of the beers I taste I’ve decided to start doing reviews. I’m going to try and use the BJCP style and scoring system, but it should always be noted that my opinion does not reflect that of an experienced, certified BJCP judge.
I figured a great place to start would be a beer friends and family have described as “the best [pumpkin] beer they’ve ever tasted.” Southern Tier’s Pumking.
Aroma: the beer smells like a pumpkin spice latte, or a pumpkin pie with whipped cream on top. It’s the sort of smell that takes you back to watching your mother bake pies. There is no subtlety here.
Appearance: Pumking pours a beautiful coppery orange; appropriately akin to the pumpkin rind. The clarity is superb, photos and posters on the wall are clearly visible through the glass. The head was thin and quickly dissipated. (note: I have a terrible time retaining head in my pours regardless of glass type, hand-washing, pouring styles, etc.)
Flavor: One sip and the creamy pumpkin pie is overwhelming your senses. The nutmeg and allspice are seriously intense. Where most pumpkin beers use the spices and pumpkin to accentuate the malt, Southern Tier is letting the malt accentuate the spices… where you can find it. Not necessarily a bad thing.
Mouthfeel: The beer starts fairly full and creamy, but as the flavor subsides the alcohol (9%) starts to come through. On a second tasting, I was surprised how short-lived the full-bodied flavors were. I wonder if some maltodextrine, carapils, or lactose would help bring the body in line with the flavor.
Overall Impression: This is a beer I’m going to be on the lookout for every fall. I don’t know that it’s necessarily “quaffable,” but is amazing as a little digestif. I’ve read over the style guidelines for 21 (spice/herb/vegetable beer) and this beer might lose some points on “The SHV character should be pleasant and supportive, not artificial and overpowering.” for both aroma and flavor. That certainly doesn’t detract from my experience which is one I’m going to be happy to repeat.
score: 44
