Pumpkin

16 oz can of Dorchester Brewing Company’s Pie Fight! Pumpkin Ale on a white background, featuring vibrant and playful artwork with cartoon pumpkin and pie illustrations.

Sweet Simplicity: Reviewing Dorchester Brewing’s Pie Fight! Pumpkin Ale

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Dorchester Brewing Company’s Pie Fight! Pumpkin Ale offers a notably light and sweet take on the pumpkin ale genre. This brew pours with an essence reminiscent of a subtle autumn dessert rather than a bold seasonal ale. The pumpkin and spice flavors you might expect are understated, contributing to an overall impression of mildness that some may find too close to being diluted. The sweetness is present, yet it doesn’t fully compensate for the subdued pumpkin character.

On a positive note, Pie Fight! does finish smoothly without any lingering bitterness, which is a pleasant departure from many other spiced craft ales. The aroma hints at pumpkin pie spices and a touch of pie crust, evoking a sense of fall’s comfort but not overpowering the senses. The mouthfeel is light, akin to a soft malt cider, making it quite drinkable despite its lack of complexity.

While Dorchester Brewing aims for a pumpkin-spiced pie in a glass, balancing it with the maltiness of an amber ale and a custom spice blend, the execution leans more towards simplicity. This ale might appeal to those seeking a milder pumpkin ale experience without the robust earthy or vanilla nuances that add depth to other seasonal offerings. For anyone looking for an easy-drinking autumn beer that nods to the season without overwhelming the palate, Pie Fight! Pumpkin Ale could be a refreshing choice. Check out where it ranks in our Best Pumpkin Beers Ranked list for more insights.

  • Style: Pumpkin Ale
  • ABV: 5.3 %
  • IBUs: N/A
  • Brewer: Dorchester Brewing Company, based in Boston, Massachusetts, is a craft brewery.

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This image displays a 12 oz bottle of Southern Tier Brewing Company’s Caramel Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale, highlighting the label’s distinct pumpkin-themed design. The beer, known for its strong caramel, pumpkin, and spice flavors, has a higher alcohol content (8.6% ABV) and appeals to those who enjoy sweet, dessert-like beers. The pumpkin-headed mascot on the label emphasizes the playful and seasonal aspect of this imperial ale.

Review of Southern Tier Brewing Company’s Caramel Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale

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Southern Tier Brewing Company’s Caramel Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale delivers a bold blend of caramel, pumpkin, and spices, making it a unique choice for those who enjoy sweeter, stronger beers. The beer starts with a punch of caramel that dominates the flavor, almost candy-like in its intensity, but this sweetness tends to overshadow the pumpkin and spice elements that should balance the profile. If you’re a fan of caramel-heavy flavors, this one might be for you, but for others, it might come off as a bit artificial.

A 12 oz bottle and a glass of Southern Tier Brewing Company's Caramel Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale on a cutting table at Williamsburg Garment Company.

The beer finishes with a noticeable alcohol warmth and a bitter edge that contrasts with the sweetness. While it’s certainly not a subtle beer, it offers an intense experience that could appeal to those who prefer dessert-like brews. However, the overpowering caramel and artificial sweetness make it a bit too much for my palate, so I only revisit it once a year to see how it holds up. If you’re curious where this beer lands among the best pumpkin ales, check out our Pumpkin Beers Ranked post for the full list.

  • Style: Imperial Pumpkin Ale
  • ABV: 8.6 %
  • IBUs: 28
  • Brewer: Southern Tier Brewing Company, based in Lakewood, New York, is a craft brewery.

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12 oz bottle of Flying Dog Brewery’s The Fear Imperial Pumpkin Ale against a white background, showcasing its vibrant label with a snarling dog illustration.

Review: Rethinking Flying Dog’s The Fear Imperial Pumpkin Ale

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Year after year, I’ve revisited Flying Dog Brewery’s The Fear Imperial Pumpkin Ale, always leaving it unreviewed due to my previous disinterest. However, something changed with this year’s batch. Whether it’s a tweak in the brewing process or a shift in my own tastes after sampling so many pumpkin beers, I found myself appreciating it anew. The usual bitterness in the finish seemed toned down, yet it retained a rich, robust body with subtle undertones of pumpkin and spice. It deftly masks its 9% ABV well, making the drinking experience surprisingly smooth.

12-ounce bottle of Flying Dog Brewery's The Fear Imperial Pumpkin Ale next to a glass filled with the dark beer, showcased on a countertop with a blurry background emphasizing the beer's creamy head and rich color.

Dark, rich black ales aren’t usually something that I pick from the shelves, but The Fear has grown on me. It’s compelling enough that I wouldn’t hesitate to order another round. It’s proof of its solid construction as an imperial pumpkin ale, which I look forward to revisiting every year. The 2024 batch gets a definite thumbs up. With a blend of Carabrown, Midnight Wheat, Chocolate, and Vienna malts, complemented by Warrior and Willamette hops, this brew skillfully balances a spice-forward profile without tipping into overt sweetness. Here’s to more pleasant surprises in the seasons to come!

  • Style: Imperial Pumpkin Ale
  • ABV: 9 %
  • IBUs: 45
  • Brewer: FX Matt Brewing Company, based in Utica, New York, is a family-owned brewery

Read our blog post “A Fluid List: The Best Pumpkin Beers Ranked,” to find out where The Fear Imperial Pumpkin Ale, ranks in our top pumpkin beers list.

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The product is a 16-ounce can of Gourdgeous Pumpkin Ale by Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co., which features orange packaging with white pumpkin illustrations against a white background.

Review of Gourdgeous Pumpkin Ale by Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co.

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Gourdgeous Pumpkin Ale by Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co. is a solid choice for pumpkin beer lovers, though it doesn’t quite reach the top tier. This ale offers a mild sweetness balanced with a pleasant spice kick, featuring notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, and a hint of candied yams. The warm pie crust finish rounds out the flavor profile nicely, and the 6.1% ABV provides a gentle warmth without overpowering the other elements.

While it might not be the most standout pumpkin ale on the market, it holds its own and sits comfortably in the middle of the pack. If you appreciate pumpkin beers, Gourdgeous Pumpkin is worth picking up. You can’t go wrong with a four-pack for the season. Are you curious to see where Gourdgeous Pumpkin Ale ranks among the best pumpkin beers? Check out our Best Pumpkin Beers Ranked list for more insights.

  • Style: Pumpkin Ale
  • ABV: 6.1 %
  • IBUs: N/A
  • Brewer: Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co., Waltham, Massachusetts-brewed, craft brewery

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A 12-ounce bottle of Whole Hog Brewery's Pumpkin Ale, set against a neutral background, ready for tasting review on the blog 'Denim Beer Machines & Coffee'.

The Whole Hog Pumpkin Ale Review

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Whole Hog Brewery’s Pumpkin Ale is an exceptional brew that has been consistently capturing the attention and admiration of beer enthusiasts, especially during its seasonal availability from August through October. Despite pouring with a minimalistic appearance, almost deceivingly so, with few bubbles, this pumpkin ale has an unexpectedly vivacious flavor profile. There’s an artful harmony in the taste where one part brings forth a light and alluring sweetness while the other side resonates with a robust richness that you can’t miss. The beer masterfully balances its pumpkin essence and pie spices, ensuring they enhance the flavor rather than overpower it. Notes of natural cinnamon, nutmeg, and authentic pumpkin shine through, bringing memories of cozy autumn evenings.

Why just read about a beer’s pour when you can see it for yourself?

Undoubtedly, Whole Hog Brewery’s Pumpkin Ale has made a significant mark in the brewing world. Garnering a series of notable accolades from 2012 to 2021, its awards stand as a testament to the ale’s exceptional quality. Such consistent recognition highlights the brewer’s unerring dedication to detail and craft.

With a clean finish, each sip becomes smoother and more delightful than the last, making it an absolute pleasure to the palate. Whole Hog Brewery’s Pumpkin Ale is not just a drink; it’s a journey through autumn’s finest flavors.

See where Whole Hog Brewery’s Pumpkin Ale ranks on our list

  • Style: Pumpkin Ale
  • ABV: 7 %
  • IBUs: 38
  • Seasonal: Available August through October
  • Awards: 2021 Great American Beer Festival, Bronze Medal, Pumpkin Beer
  • Awards: 2019 Great American Beer Festival | Gold Medal | Pumpkin/Squash Beer or Pumpkin Spice Beer
  • Awards: 2018 Great American Beer Festival | Silver Medal | Pumpkin/Squash Beer or Pumpkin Spice Beer
  • Awards: 2015 European Beer Star, Gold Medal, Herb and Spice Beer
  • Awards: 2015 Paste Magazine, Gold Medal, Pumpkin Beer
  • Awards: 2014 Great American Beer Festival | Bronze Medal
  • Awards: 2012 Great American Beer Festival, Gold Medal, Pumpkin Beer
  • Tasting Notes: Pumpkin pie spices, natural cinnamon, nutmeg, and real pumpkin
  • Brewer: Whole Hog Brewery by Stevens Point Brewery, Stevens Point, Wisconsin-based, independent craft brewery

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A one pint can of Tröegs Master of Pumpkins Ale is reviewed as one of the Best Seasonal Beers in the beer blog Denim Beer Machines & Coffee.
A one pint can of Tröegs Master of Pumpkins Ale, brewed in Hershey,Pennsylvania.

On Top—A Review of Tröegs Master of Pumpkins, One of the Best Seasonal Beers

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Autumn marks the return of flannel, bonfires, and the ever-popular pumpkin-flavored beers. In this competitive field, Tröegs Master of Pumpkins Ale has distinguished itself as a top contender.

If you’ve been doing your homework on the top pumpkin beers, you might’ve read my “Fluid List: The Best Pumpkin Beers Ranked,” where I ranked some of the best in the business (or, at least, those I’ve tasted). Master of Pumpkins didn’t just make the cut—it rose to the top, a testament to its craft and flavor profile.

After taking my first sip of Master of Pumpkins Ale, it became immediately clear that it was well-named. Oh, it’s not just a moniker; it’s a statement.

Master of Pumpkins Ale pours with an inviting, thick, creamy, off-white head that immediately catches the eye. The beer itself presents a rich, dark brown hue, evoking autumn evenings and a sense of rustic warmth. On the nose, the aroma delivers subtle hints of cinnamon, clove, and, of course, pumpkin—conjuring a nostalgic blend of fall scents. As for carbonation, it strikes a well-balanced medium, providing just enough effervescence to elevate the complex flavors without overwhelming the palate.


Founded in 1996 and hailing from Hershey, Pennsylvania, Tröegs Independent Brewing has a long-standing reputation for crafting award-winning beers. Among their seasonal offerings, Master of Pumpkins Ale stands out. Every ingredient, down to the longneck pumpkins, is locally sourced from Pennsylvania farms, lending the ale an unmatched level of authenticity.

Master of Pumpkins Ale isn’t just another seasonal offering—it’s a finely crafted masterpiece in the realm of pumpkin ales. If you get the chance, don’t hesitate to try it; it comes with my highest recommendation for an autumnal brew done right.

  • Style: Pumpkin Ale
  • ABV: 7.5 %
  • IBUs: 30
  • Available: Seasonal, available September through October
  • Awards: 2019 U.S. Beer Tasting Championship – Best of the Mid-Atlantic Spice Beer
  • Grain: Munich, Pilsner, Special B
  • Hops: German Northern Brewer
  • Yeast: Belgian Ale Yeast
  • Tasting Notes: nutmeg, cinnamon, caramel, vanilla bean
  • Brewer: Tröegs Independent Brewing, Hershey, Pennsylvania-based, independent craft brewery

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