With more than 100 pumpkin beers brewed since 1997, Elysian Brewing Company has earned its crown as the king of gourd-season brewing. Their Great Pumpkin Imperial Pumpkin Ale—which they proudly claim as the world’s first imperial pumpkin ale—delivers on that legacy with a brew that’s bold, balanced, and unmistakably Elysian.
The beer pours a reddish amber and opens with rich notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, riding just behind the malty backbone. What makes this one stand out is the real pumpkin presence—it’s not just spice covering up a generic ale. There’s actual squash character in here, layered into a warming, medium-to-full-bodied beer that finishes clean with just the right kick of alcohol heat. It’s spiced enough to make itself known, but not so much that it veers into pumpkin pie territory.
Elysian Great Pumpkin doesn’t feel like a gimmick or one-off novelty; it feels like a confident expression of what a pumpkin ale should taste like when brewed with intention and experience. If you’re looking for a well-crafted, flavorful pumpkin beer that doesn’t shy away from its imperial roots, this one’s a solid pick—and possibly a new seasonal favorite. Want to see where Elysian Great Pumpkin lands among the competition? Check out our [Fluid List of the Best Pumpkin Beers Ranked].
- Style: Imperial Pumpkin Ale
- ABV: 8.4%
- IBUs: 0
- Seasonal: Fall (Limited Release)
- Brewer: Elysian Brewing Company, based in Seattle, Washington, is widely regarded as a pioneer in pumpkin beer. Since 1997, the brewery has crafted over 100 pumpkin-inspired brews and co-founded the annual Great Pumpkin Beer Festival. Known for bold experimentation and a love of seasonal ingredients, Elysian’s commitment to creative, full-flavored beer is on full display in this imperial offering.
