Abomination Brewing’s Forbidden Pumpkin is an Imperial Milkshake IPA that takes pumpkin beer in a very different direction. Pouring a cloudy, milky amber with a frothy white head, the beer announces itself with aromas of citrus, vanilla, and a hint of spice. It looks inviting enough, but the first sip immediately reveals its boldest trait: sweetness. The lactose and vanilla dominate from the start, creating a creamy body that feels more like dessert in a glass than a traditional IPA.
The pumpkin and spice notes, while advertised, are hard to find. Instead, bright citrus hops and sugary milk flavors push to the forefront, leaving the cinnamon and nutmeg buried in the background. For drinkers who lean toward drier or more balanced pumpkin beers, the sugary profile may be overwhelming. Personally, I found it difficult to get through more than a quarter of the glass before the sweetness wore me down.
That said, this beer has a clear audience. Fans of milkshake IPAs or those who enjoy sweeter, dessert-style beers will find Forbidden Pumpkin to be a unique seasonal indulgence. It’s smooth, creamy, and unabashedly sweet, with enough citrus hop bite to keep it from being completely one-dimensional. While it’s not for everyone—especially those looking for pumpkin to play the starring role—it’s a creative twist on the pumpkin beer genre that could rank highly for those with a sweet tooth.
Curious how this unique pumpkin beer stacks up against more traditional offerings? Check out our [Fluid List of the Best Pumpkin Beers Ranked] to see where Forbidden Pumpkin lands.
- Style: Pumpkin Imperial Milkshake IPA
- ABV: 9.3%
- IBUs: N/A
- Seasonal: Fall (Limited Release)
- Brewer: Abomination Brewing Company, a nomadic craft brewery known for creative and experimental releases, often brewed in collaboration with host breweries. Their beers push style boundaries, from heavily hopped IPAs to bold stouts and fruited sours, earning them a reputation for adventurous brewing and unique flavor combinations.
